Another version of the purported U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding
By Bernard Moerdler,
Another version of the purported U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, different but similar to the one published earlier by Al Arabiya, has been released by journalist Barak Ravid. Like the earlier version, Ravid's account describes a ceasefire on all fronts including Lebanon, an Iranian commitment not to acquire nuclear weapons and to hold its nuclear program at the status quo during talks, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, temporary oil-sale waivers, a $300 billion reconstruction fund, and a U.S. withdrawal within 30 days if a final agreement is reached.
The two diverge most on the Strait of Hormuz and on the timing of relief. Ravid's version says Iran would guarantee free passage through the strait for only 60 days, after which Iran, Oman, and Gulf states would negotiate "arrangements regarding shipping and maritime services," a structure the Al Arabiya text did not spell out. In Ravid's account, the lifting of all sanctions and the release of frozen assets are tied more explicitly to implementation of the deal and to reaching a final agreement, while the Al Arabiya text had that relief starting sooner, with sanctions waivers issued at signing and frozen assets freed up as talks progressed.
The official text of the memorandum remains unclear. The United States has not released it, and President Donald Trump has said it will be published only after Friday's signing. Israel's request to see the document was denied, according to Channel 12.
Topics: Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon & Hezbollah
Reported by Bernard Moerdler for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.