US President Donald Trump has indicated that the planned signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran could still collapse, despite ongoing preparations for a formal ceremony later this week.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in France on Wednesday, Trump said the outcome remained uncertain, adding that the United States could resume military strikes if Iran failed to comply with expected commitments.
“Deals are amazing. I’ve done them all my life,” Trump said during a joint appearance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “You never know with deals. But you're going to find out pretty soon. I think it will be done.”
Trump later suggested that the formal signing, previously expected on Friday, could take place earlier, saying it might happen “tomorrow, maybe the next day.”
The proposed MoU is intended to lay the groundwork for ending hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran. Both Washington and Tehran have said the agreement would halt fighting on all fronts, lift the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route.
However, officials from both sides have stressed that the agreement would only mark the beginning of a 60-day negotiating process to address broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its regional alliances and the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials have maintained that the MoU was digitally signed on Sunday, although they acknowledged that either side could still withdraw before the final ceremonial signing.
A senior US official, briefing reporters, said the agreement contains 14 points and includes immediate sanctions waivers for Iran’s energy sector alongside the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the naval blockade.
According to the official, the document contains limited commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, largely maintaining the current status quo while reaffirming Tehran’s position that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
More contentious issues, including Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and the future of its nuclear activities, would be addressed during the subsequent 60-day negotiations.
The MoU also outlines plans for a reconstruction and economic development package worth at least $300 billion, to be developed jointly by the United States and its regional partners to support Iran’s post-war recovery.
The agreement further envisages the gradual lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets, although no specific timetable has been disclosed.
Asked about the proposed reconstruction fund, Trump said the initiative would proceed only if Iran fulfilled its obligations.
“If they’re doing things right,” he said.
Trump also distinguished between releasing frozen Iranian assets and providing new financial assistance.
“We have taken a lot of their money, and we have their money,” he said. “It’s not our money, it’s their money, and we froze it at a certain point in time. I guess we’re going to have to give it back.”
Source: Al Jazeera