US and Iran Agree to Hold Nuclear Status Quo and Lift Sanctions
Source: Middle East Spectator — MES · Wed, Jun 17, 2026 · 18:43 UTC
The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding that keeps Iran's nuclear program at its current level, while the U.S. pledges not to impose new sanctions or deploy additional forces in the region. The agreement includes U.S. Treasury waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil and related services, and the release of frozen Iranian funds once the MoU is implemented. An executive mechanism will monitor compliance, and the parties will negotiate a final deal that is expected to be backed by a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
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The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.
10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MOU, and until the termination of sanctions, the US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.
11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MoU. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designed by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly.
12. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal.
13. After signing this MOU and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of this MOU, and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs.
14. The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC Resolution.
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