The United States and Iran have signed a framework agreement online to end the three-month war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, senior US administration officials said on 15 June.
According to the officials, US President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance signed the agreement virtually, whilst the Speaker of Parliament and Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bakir Kalibaf, signed on behalf of Tehran.
The agreement is expected to be formally signed during a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, on 19 June.
Officials stated that the full text of the memorandum is due to be released within 24–48 hours; they noted that there would be “complete transparency” and that there would be “no secret deals”.
The framework agreement gives Washington and Tehran 60 days to negotiate a final settlement, in particular regarding disputes over Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.
The day before, both Trump and Iranian representatives confirmed that the text had been agreed upon.
According to numerous reports, the document provides for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iran. It also provides for the extension of the current ceasefire for 60 days, during which negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme are to take place. Trump reiterated on Monday that Iran would not have nuclear weapons.
A senior US administration official, quoted by Reuters, noted in turn that, despite reports in a number of media outlets, the United States has not yet unfrozen Iranian assets or transferred any funds to Iran. At the same time, he confirmed that the document provides for a “significant easing” of sanctions against Iran, provided it fulfils its obligations.
Furthermore, according to the official, the memorandum does not contain any commitment to withdraw Israeli troops from southern Lebanon – a proposal previously rejected by the Israeli authorities. However, it does provide for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The US and Israel began striking Iran in late February; the active phase of the confrontation with Iran continued until early April, but even after that, the sides frequently exchanged strikes, and the Strait of Hormuz remained partially closed to shipping. Negotiations have been conducted through intermediaries over the past two months.