The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding via electronic means, but the two sides will still hold a formal signing ceremony Wednesday, a senior US administration official said Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance signed the Memorandum of Understanding, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran signed the document on behalf of Iran, the official said at a press briefing, vance is expected to attend the 19th ceremony, as well as Trump’s envoy to Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner. Vance will then lead the US side into the next phase of negotiations.
The memorandum of understanding will be made public in the next 24 to 48 hours, the official said. However, the day Trump attended the G7 summit in France, said the Memorandum of understanding will be announced after the formal signing ceremony.
U. S. officials said the U. S. will maintain its current military presence in the Middle East during technical negotiations with Iran, and if a deal is reached, the U. S. will reduce its forces in the region.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, officials said traffic in the strait would return to normal soon, “Certainly within 30 days, but only if Iran commits to removing all mines.”. The United States“Currently has the location of all the mines,” and could actually help with disposal.
officials say the -IRAQI agreement does not require Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, “The withdrawal is not a precondition for this agreement. If Iran fails to control Hezbollah and Hezbollah attacks on Israeli positions or towns, Israel will have the right to defend itself and respond.”. The official also believes the continuing conflict in Lebanon will not stand in the way of the Trump administration’s deal with Iran.
Vance earlier in the day in an interview with U. S. Media, said the two sides have many“Crucial” details need to be finalized in the follow-up 60-day negotiations. (end)