The United States and Iran finalized a 14-point memorandum of understanding designed to address Iran’s nuclear program and work toward ending the war between the two countries. The agreement was signed by both presidents on June 19, 2026, marking a formal step toward diplomatic engagement [1, 2, 3].
The memorandum functions as a framework agreement rather than a final peace deal, according to US sources, while Iranian officials describe it as fully official after signing and aimed at ending the conflict [1, 2, 3]. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called it the "Islamabad memorandum" and confirmed it had become fully official after both sides signed the text [2].
Negotiations under the memorandum will focus exclusively on Iran’s nuclear file and sanctions relief. The talks are expected to last up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending the period by mutual consent as both sides work through technical issues [2, 3].
The agreement also includes commitments to halt military operations between the US and Iran, respect each other's sovereignty, lift certain sanctions, restore maritime traffic, and establish mechanisms to monitor implementation of the memorandum [3].
Following the signing, the US has begun fulfilling obligations to lift its naval blockade in the region. Iranian vessels have reportedly entered and exited ports without problems, signaling early trust-building steps, noted Baghaei [2, 3]. Iran’s commitments related to security at the Strait of Hormuz will begin after the memorandum’s implementation is underway [2, 3].
The final goal is to have the agreement endorsed through a binding UN Security Council resolution to ensure international backing for the framework [3].
US officials announced on June 16 that nuclear talks with Iran would begin immediately after the framework deal’s signing, and Iran confirmed the memorandum's finalization on June 18. The naval blockade easing took effect starting June 18, facilitating maritime access for Iranian vessels [1, 2, 3].
