US releases full text of landmark Iran peace memorandum brokered in Islamabad

The 14-point document, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was made public after

WASHINGTON: The United States has officially released the full text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Iran, outlining a framework aimed at ending hostilities, reopening key maritime routes, easing sanctions, and paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.

The 14-point document, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was made public after calls for greater transparency regarding the agreement. Pakistani mediators played a key role in facilitating the understanding between the two countries.

Under the memorandum, both sides agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations and pledged not to initiate any future military action against one another. The agreement also includes commitments to respect each other’s sovereignty and avoid interference in domestic affairs.

The document establishes a 60-day negotiation period, which can be extended by mutual consent, to finalize a broader peace accord. During this period, the United States has committed to gradually lifting its naval blockade around Iran and reducing its military presence near Iranian territory. In return, Iran has agreed to facilitate the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and work toward restoring normal maritime traffic.

A major economic component of the memorandum includes a proposed reconstruction and development package worth at least $300 billion for Iran, to be developed in coordination with regional partners. Washington has also pledged to ease restrictions on Iranian oil exports, release frozen Iranian assets, and begin a phased process toward lifting sanctions as part of a future final agreement.

On the nuclear issue, Iran reaffirmed that it will not seek to acquire or develop nuclear weapons. Both countries agreed to negotiate arrangements regarding Iran’s stockpile of enriched material under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while broader discussions on Iran’s nuclear activities will continue during upcoming talks.

The memorandum further states that neither side will alter the current status quo during negotiations. Iran will maintain its existing nuclear programme, while the United States will refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces in the region.

To oversee implementation, both nations will establish a joint monitoring mechanism. The document concludes by stating that any final agreement reached between the two sides will be endorsed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.

The release of the memorandum marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and could reshape regional security and economic dynamics if the proposed final agreement is successfully concluded.