United States President Donald Trump reiterated uncertainty Monday over whether an upcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) to de-escalate the US-Israel-Iran conflict will proceed as planned, amid ongoing military operations in the region.
During the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian, France, Trump sidestepped questions about his confidence in the Friday signing timeline, while emphasizing Washington’s threat to resume bombing campaigns if Iran fails to “behave.” He later hinted the agreement could materialize earlier than expected, possibly “tomorrow [Thursday]maybe the next day.”
“Deals are amazing… You never know with deals, do you? But you’re going to find out pretty soon,” Trump remarked, citing past failed agreements he had brokered. He maintained optimism that the MOU would proceed, a claim contradicted by his warnings of resuming attacks against Iran.
The proposed MOU, both parties insist, would mark the first step toward ending hostilities, lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, it would initiate 60 days of negotiations addressing contentious issues such as Iran’s uranium stockpile, regional proxy ties, and post-conflict administration of the Hormuz. Neither side has released the document’s text.
US officials confirmed the MOU was digitally signed Sunday, though final in-person signing remains pending. Despite this, both parties retain the option to withdraw until Friday’s official ceremony, with the US acknowledging the deal is “not subject to change” only after completion.
The document includes provisions for immediate sanctions waivers targeting Iran’s fossil fuel sector and outlines a $300 billion rebuilding plan for Iran, conditional on Tehran’s compliance during the negotiation period. Sanctions relief and the unfreezing of billions in Iranian assets are slated for future phases pending talks.
Trump denied the $300 billion initiative constitutes direct financial aid, clarifying, “We have their money… it’s not our money.” He emphasized restitution of frozen funds rather than unilateral transfers, warning that failure to return funds would undermine global trust in the US dollar.
Critics on both US political sides slammed the MOU’s opacity, comparing its secrecy to classified intelligence protocols. Democrat Senator Mark Kelly accused the Trump administration of withholding a “single page” agreement, demanding transparency to validate its terms. Republican Senator John Thune echoed concerns, noting GOP pressure to release details.
US Vice President JD Vance attributed the delayed disclosure to diplomatic protocols orchestrated by Iran and regional mediators, stating the White House seeks “to tell the American people what’s in this deal.” Mediation efforts by Omani diplomats reportedly facilitated the accord.
In remarks about Iran’s leadership, Trump praised their pragmatism, asserting, “They’re very smart” and “far less radicalised.” His comments followed criticism of Iran’s hardline governance, with experts noting no regime change despite shifts in leadership.
Trump also addressed Israeli strikes in Lebanon, urging restraint to avoid jeopardizing the US-Iran agreement. He reiterated the MOU’s duplication sent to Israel, underscoring his administration’s diplomatic tightrope as it navigates concurrent peace efforts and military operations.
Amid broad skepticism about the deal’s enforceability, the US and Iran remain locked in a precarious balancing act, with reconstruction funds and sanctions tied to Iran’s adherence to negotiated timelines. The coming days will test whether the MOU’s promise can materialize without broader conflict.
