A senior U.S. government official stated on the 15th that the United States and Iran have already signed a memorandum of understanding electronically, but both sides will still hold a formal signing ceremony on the 19th.
At a press briefing, the official said that U.S. President Trump and Vice President Vance signed the memorandum of understanding, while Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Qalibaf signed the document on behalf of Iran. It is expected that Vance, along with Trump’s envoy Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner, will attend the ceremony on the 19th. Vance will then lead the U.S. side into the next phase of negotiations.
The U.S. official stated that during the technical negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the United States will maintain its current military presence in the Middle East. Should a final agreement be reached, the United States will reduce its military forces in the region.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. official pointed out that traffic through the strait will soon return to normal. “It will definitely resume within 30 days, provided Iran commits to clearing all sea mines.” The U.S. currently has knowledge of all the mine locations and, in practice, can assist with the operation.
The U.S. official stated that the U.S.-Iran agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. “Withdrawal is not a precondition for the agreement, and if Iran is unable to control Hezbollah in Lebanon and the latter launches attacks on Israeli positions or towns, Israel will have the right to defend itself and retaliate.”
The official also believes that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon will not hinder the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran.
Iran and the U.S. to Sign Memorandum of Understanding on the 19th
Meanwhile, Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that Iran and the United States will sign the memorandum of understanding on the 19th.
Pakistan to Host the Agreement Signing Ceremony
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz stated in his speech at the National Assembly on the 15th that Pakistan will host the U.S.-Iran ceasefire memorandum of understanding signing ceremony scheduled to take place on the 19th in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said that although the peace process has faced several risks of collapse, persistent diplomatic efforts have helped it get back on track. The memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran is not only a bilateral agreement but also a diplomatic victory.