The War Pauses: U.S. and Iran Strike 60-Day Ceasefire Deal

The MOU, which has been immediately implemented, outlines a 14-point plan:

1. End to conflict ‘on all fronts’ including Lebanon

2. Respect for Iranian and U.S. internal affairs

3. Extendable 60-day timeline

4. U.S. to end blockade of Iranian ports

5. Strait of Hormuz to open immediately

6. Reconstruction money for Iran

7. Economic sanctions against Iran to end (performance based)

8. No Nuclear Weapons

9-10. The US and Iran agree to a “status quo” of its nuclear program until the enriched uranium can be dealt with

11. The US undertakes to make fully available frozen or restricted Iranian funds (once MOU is signed, performance based)

12-13. These points lay out how the plan will be implemented once the MOU is signed. -The US and Iran will establish a “mechanism” to monitor the implementation of the MOU and compliance with a future deal.

14. The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UN Security Council resolution

There remains doubt on multiple points in the MOU with Iranian state TV reporting Iran plans to charge a ‘service fee’ for vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the 60-day period.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues in southern Lebanon adding further complexity to the full implementation of the deal. Israeli authorities say they have a right to defend themselves from threats from Hezbollah and are not bound by the U.S.-Iran agreement.

Over the next 60 days (extendable by mutual consent), negotiators must now convert these interim steps into a verifiable final deal covering Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and broader regional security.

Whether this marks the start of a durable new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations or merely pauses the conflict will be determined over the coming weeks and months of further negotiations that are scheduled to begin on Friday between Washington and Tehran.