US and Iran Unveil 14-Point Framework to End War
Iran and the US agreed that the future of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium would be determined through a mutually agreed mechanism
People walk past a billboard displaying Iran's national flag at Enghelab Square as daily life continues routinely in Tehran, Iran, on June 15, 2026. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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he United States and Iran have released the text of a 14-point memorandum of understanding that lays the foundation for ending months of conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing economic restrictions on Tehran, and launching negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement.
The document, formally titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was read to reporters by a senior U.S. official on Wednesday and is expected to serve as the basis for intensive negotiations over the next 60 days.
While the memorandum establishes an immediate ceasefire and outlines broad commitments by both sides, many of the most difficult issues—including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security arrangements—remain subject to future negotiations.
Immediate end to war
The first provision commits both countries and their allies to the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Both sides pledged not to initiate future military action against one another and agreed to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Under the second point, Washington and Tehran agreed to respect each other’s sovereignty and refrain from interference in internal affairs.
The third provision establishes a negotiation period of up to 60 days, which may be extended by mutual agreement, to finalize a broader peace settlement.
The fourth and fifth points focus on restoring maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
The United States agreed to begin lifting its naval blockade immediately and to remove all restrictions within 30 days. Washington also committed to withdrawing military forces from Iran’s vicinity within 30 days after a final agreement is reached.
Iran, for its part, pledged to facilitate safe passage for commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also agreed to remove mines and military obstacles and restore normal shipping operations over the next month.
The agreement further calls for consultations between Iran, Oman, and other Gulf states regarding future administration and maritime services in the strategic waterway.
Massive reconstruction package
One of the most significant elements of the agreement is contained in point six.
The United States committed to working with regional partners to develop a reconstruction and economic development package worth at least $300 billion for Iran.
The mechanism for implementing the fund will be finalized during negotiations, while Washington pledged to provide the necessary licenses, waivers, and permissions required for financial transactions.
Point seven outlines a U.S. commitment to terminate all sanctions imposed on Iran, including United Nations-related restrictions, nuclear-related measures, and both primary and secondary U.S. sanctions.
The timing and sequencing of sanctions removal remain subject to negotiation during the upcoming talks.
Both sides described sanctions relief as one of the most important issues to be addressed during the next phase of diplomacy.
Nuclear program left for future talks
The eighth provision addresses Iran’s nuclear activities but postpones major decisions until a final agreement.
Iran reaffirmed that it would not seek or develop nuclear weapons.
The two countries agreed that the future of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium would be determined through a mutually agreed mechanism. At a minimum, any solution would involve down-blending enriched material under supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Future discussions will also address uranium enrichment levels and Iran’s civilian nuclear requirements.
Under point nine, both countries agreed to maintain the status quo while negotiations continue.
Iran will not expand its current nuclear activities, while the United States pledged not to impose additional sanctions or deploy new military forces to the region.
Point ten requires the U.S. Treasury Department to issue waivers immediately permitting Iranian oil exports, petroleum product sales, banking transactions, shipping, insurance, and related services.
Point eleven concerns Iranian assets frozen abroad.
The United States agreed to make those assets available for use and to work with Iran on procedures governing their release. Washington also committed to issuing the necessary licenses and authorizations to facilitate access to those funds.
Monitoring and implementation
Point twelve calls for the creation of a joint implementation mechanism to monitor compliance with both the memorandum and any future final agreement.
The thirteenth provision establishes the sequence for negotiations, specifying that discussions on unresolved issues will begin only after implementation of key provisions concerning the ceasefire, maritime reopening, oil exports, and frozen assets.
The final point states that any comprehensive agreement reached after negotiations will be endorsed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Such a resolution would provide international legal backing for the accord and help institutionalize its commitments.
Although the memorandum represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran in decades, officials on both sides stressed that it remains a framework rather than a final peace agreement.
Major questions—including the future of Iran’s nuclear program, the timing of sanctions removal, verification mechanisms, and broader regional security arrangements—are expected to dominate negotiations scheduled to begin in Switzerland later this week.
If successful, the talks could transform relations between the United States and Iran, reopen one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, and ease tensions that have destabilized the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets for months.
(Source: Reuters)
