▲ US-Iran End-of-War Memorandum of Understanding
The United States and Iran have officially begun implementing their end-of-war memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 18, local time.
Delegations from both countries were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on June 19 to launch follow-up negotiations for Iran's denuclearization, but the start of the talks could be delayed as a remote signing between the leaders of the two nations took place on June 17.
US Vice President JD Vance said at a press conference at the White House on June 18, "I would say that the 60-day negotiation period under the end-of-war MOU with Iran has officially begun today."
Counting from June 18, the 60 days will run until August 16.
The core of the MOU is that the US and Iran agree to open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the maritime blockade on Iran, followed by 60 days of subsequent negotiations on Iran's denuclearization and the lifting of sanctions.
Vice President Vance stated that the US Navy has lifted the maritime blockade on Iran in accordance with the end-of-war MOU.
The US Central Command also announced the lifting of the maritime blockade on Iran, adding that US warships will remain in the area to ensure compliance with the agreement.
Vice President Vance emphasized that 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight.
This was intended to highlight that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is on track to normalize due to the MOU.
Vice President Vance said negotiations with the Iranian delegation are scheduled to take place this weekend, but that could change.
It appears possible that the start of the follow-up negotiations could be delayed.
Initially, the US delegation led by Vice President Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on June 19 for an MOU signing ceremony and to enter follow-up negotiations. However, as the remote signing between the presidents of the two countries took place the previous day, the signing ceremony has also become uncertain.
The New York Times, citing Iranian media, reported that the signing ceremony on June 19 will not be held.
Regarding the economic compensation to be provided to Iran, Vice President Vance repeatedly asserted, "This is only possible when Iran fully implements [its promises] and changes its behavior."
He also reiterated that not a single cent of US funds would go into the economic compensation for Iran.
He defended the legitimacy of the MOU, saying it is worth trying to see if Iran will change its behavior.
Vice President Vance urged Israel to respect the MOU.
He added that attacks on civilians in the Lebanese capital of Beirut are unacceptable.
He said, "Donald Trump is the only head of state friendly to Israel at this point, and the head of state of a global superpower."
To the Israeli ministers criticizing the MOU, he also said, "Wake up and look at reality."
This is interpreted as putting strong pressure on Israel to refrain from criticizing the US, while warning of the possibility that Israel could jeopardize the MOU by airstriking Beirut under the pretext of attacking the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Vice President Vance argued that the temporary lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil does not grant new benefits to Iran.
However, critics point out that Iran, which had been selling oil to China at low prices due to sanctions, will now be able to sell oil to various countries at higher prices following the lifting of the sanctions.
Vice President Vance refuted criticisms that the process of announcing the MOU was confusing, saying the disclosure of the agreement was delayed because Iran did not want it.
In the US, there were strong calls for disclosure after the agreement was not made public even after the electronic signing of the MOU with Iran took place on June 14.
Since the agreement was disclosed alongside the remote signing between the US and Iranian presidents the previous day, criticism has been mounting that the deal is favorable to Iran.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.