Trump and Iran Sign Memorandum to End War and Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding ending military operations on all fronts, with provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days and lift the American naval blockade. The 14-point agreement, signed at the Palace of Versailles, commits both nations to negotiate a comprehensive final deal within a maximum of 60 days. The accord includes immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and commits each side to respect the other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Core Provisions

The memorandum requires the United States to begin removing its naval blockade immediately upon signing, with full removal completed within 30 days. During this transition period, commercial vessel traffic will be restored proportionally to pre-war levels. Iran has agreed to facilitate safe passage of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman at no charge for 60 days, contingent upon clearing tactical and military obstacles and conducting de-mining operations.

American forces will withdraw from proximity to Iran within 30 days after a final agreement is reached. Both nations have committed to refraining from initiating military operations or threatening force against each other, with the accord emphasizing respect for Lebanese territorial integrity as part of the broader peace framework.

Divergent Assessments of the Deal

The agreement has drawn sharp criticism regarding its balance and enforceability. One analysis contends that 13 of the 14 provisions either constitute diplomatic formality or substantially favor Iran, including de facto acknowledgment of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. The memorandum offers military and economic concessions in exchange for Iranian commitment not to develop or purchase nuclear weapons—a pledge Iran has made and abandoned previously, according to intelligence assessments.

Comparisons have been drawn to the multinational nuclear agreement negotiated during the previous administration, which Trump withdrew from and characterized as deeply flawed. Critics argue the current memorandum provides greater economic and diplomatic benefits to Iran while securing fewer concrete nonproliferation guarantees than the earlier accord.