The electronically signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on Sunday has sparked more questions than it has answered. According to an analysis by Axios, there are eight critical issues that remain unresolved, and the perspectives of Washington and Tehran on the agreement are, in several respects, contradictory.
This document was endorsed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. However, the formal signing ceremony is scheduled for this Friday in Geneva, with the participation of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
Is the Agreement Truly in Effect?
The 60-day ceasefire was set into motion immediately, but the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until after Friday's ceremony. Trump announced the "immediate" lifting of the blockade on Sunday but then revised his statement.
The Future of the Strait of Hormuz
Washington guarantees there will be no tolls or restrictions. Nevertheless, Iranian officials have informed state media that the strait will not revert to its "pre-war status," with Iran maintaining a degree of control. The Fars news agency reported that Iran plans to impose environmental and security fees after the 60-day period. Shipping giant Maersk and other companies are seeking assurances before resuming cargo shipments through the route.
Iran's Gains from the Deal
Both sides agree that Iran will benefit from the cessation of hostilities and sanction waivers to export oil. However, Iranian state media claimed the government would also receive billions in frozen funds simply for signing. A senior U.S. official strongly denied this, describing it instead as a "performance-based payment model."
Disparity in Agreement Interpretations
Negotiations took place indirectly through mediators, and the memorandum is a broad political understanding rather than a detailed treaty. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his concern, stating, "I'm somewhat worried that Iran's interpretation of the agreement appears different from what the U.S. negotiating team is asserting."
Will the Text Be Released?
An official mentioned that the complete text would be released within 24 to 48 hours. Trump hinted that it might not be published until after Friday.
Israel's Compliance in Question
The agreement requires Israel to observe a ceasefire in Lebanon, but Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel will neither withdraw from southern Lebanon nor refrain from responding to Hezbollah attacks. An Israeli strike in Beirut on Sunday nearly derailed the agreement and prompted Trump to remark that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "lacks any judgment."
Prospects of a Nuclear Agreement
The memorandum initiates 60 days of nuclear negotiations, but U.S. officials acknowledge that reaching a definitive pact will be "very challenging" due to mutual distrust. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that these talks will not commence until Iran receives the frozen funds; Vance refuted this yesterday.
Risk of Renewed Conflict
The U.S. will not withdraw its forces from the region without a nuclear agreement. On the other hand, Iranian officials assert that Trump was eager to end the conflict and that Tehran currently holds the upper hand.
Analyst Torbjorn Soltvedt from Verisk Maplecroft succinctly captured the situation: "The threat of renewed conflict will linger in the coming months. Pushing the toughest issues to later negotiations prolongs uncertainty and leaves the underlying confrontation unresolved."
Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S.-Iran Agreement
What are the main unresolved issues in the U.S.-Iran agreement?
The main unresolved issues include the actual implementation of the agreement, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's financial gains, differing interpretations of the agreement, publication of the agreement's text, Israel's compliance, prospects of a nuclear agreement, and the risk of renewed conflict.
Will the Strait of Hormuz be reopened without restrictions?
While Washington claims there will be no restrictions, Iranian officials have indicated that the strait will not return to its pre-war status and will impose certain fees after 60 days.
Is a nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran likely?
U.S. officials have acknowledged that reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement will be challenging due to mutual distrust, although the memorandum opens the door for 60 days of negotiations.