By Fridah Mbuvi, June 17, 2026
United States President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a 14-point interim Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at halting the conflict between the two countries, even as President Trump warned that military action would resume if Tehran failed to honor the agreement.
The deal, signed digitally on June 17, 2026, seeks to de-escalate the regional war that erupted in February 2025 and create space for negotiations on a lasting peace settlement.
Under the framework, both parties have agreed to a 60-day ceasefire period during which negotiations on a comprehensive treaty will take place. The agreement calls for the immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including hostilities involving Lebanon.
The memorandum also provides for the dismantling of the United States naval blockade on Iranian ports within 30 days. In return, Iran has committed to guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and waiving transit fees during the negotiation period.
Plans have also been outlined for the establishment of a $300 billion international reconstruction and development fund for Iran, although President Trump clarified that the United States would not contribute financially to the initiative.
Speaking in France after attending the G7 Summit, President Trump stressed that the agreement was conditional and dependent on Iranian compliance.
“If they don’t behave, we’ll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head,” Trump said.
He further explained that the agreement does not provide immediate permanent sanctions relief. Instead, Washington will issue temporary waivers to facilitate Iranian oil exports while closely monitoring Tehran’s adherence to the deal.
In a notable shift in policy, Trump softened his earlier position on Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, saying it would be “unfair” to deny Tehran such weapons given the broader security dynamics in the region.
Despite the signing of the agreement, tensions remain high. Israel has continued carrying out strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, prompting fresh warnings from Tehran.
Iranian authorities have cautioned that any continued Israeli military presence or attacks in Lebanon would be viewed as a violation of the US-brokered arrangement, raising concerns over the durability of the fragile ceasefire.
The latest developments underscore the complex challenges facing efforts to restore stability in the Middle East as negotiators work toward a permanent settlement.
