Middle East crisis live: Iran agrees to destroy enriched uranium stockpile, memorandum read out by US officials says | US-Israel war on Iran
The United States and Iran have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requiring Iran to destroy its enriched uranium stockpile through “down-blending” under IAEA supervision. The agreement, scheduled for a formal signing ceremony this Friday, mandates an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts—including Lebanon—in exchange for immediate U.S. Treasury waivers on Iranian oil exports.
How will Iran handle its nuclear stockpile?
Iran has conceded that its enriched uranium stockpile will be destroyed through down-blending, a process of diluting the uranium, on Iranian soil. According to senior U.S. officials who read the draft MOU to reporters on Wednesday, this process must occur under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The MOU states that both parties will discuss further enrichment needs and other nuclear matters within a “satisfactory framework” to be determined in a final deal. One senior official described the current commitment to down-blending as “the floor,” indicating the U.S. will push for more stringent requirements before the final agreement.
What sanctions relief does Iran receive immediately?
The U.S. Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and associated banking and transportation services the moment the MOU is signed. Senior officials defended this move, stating that Iranian oil already flows to China; the waivers simply remove the steep discount Beijing currently receives and provide the U.S. with better visibility into oil destinations.
However, broad sanctions removal is not immediate. The MOU explicitly links the termination of all other sanctions to the nuclear settlement. A senior official noted that “to the extent that you perform on the nuclear questions, you will get the sanctions relief.”
There is a sharp contrast between Iran’s demands and the final text regarding frozen assets. According to U.S. officials, Iran pushed for immediate access to its frozen funds upon signing. The MOU instead makes these funds usable only “upon the implementation of the MOU,” meaning the regime must first fulfill its commitments.
Will the fighting in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz stop?
The MOU requires the U.S., Iran, and their allies to declare an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts,” specifically naming Lebanon. This clause effectively requires Iran to restrain Hezbollah. U.S. officials clarified that Israel maintains the right to strike back if Hezbollah initiates an attack.
Regarding maritime security, Iran must ensure toll-free passage for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days. Full traffic restoration must happen within 30 days. Senior officials reported that for the first time in 100 days of conflict, Iran did not fire on any vessels in the strait the day before the press call.
Why is the deal considered fragile?
The MOU provides a 60-day window to negotiate a comprehensive final agreement, which can be extended by mutual consent. Any final deal will require a binding UN Security Council resolution for endorsement. One senior U.S. official warned that “either side can walk away at any time.”
The Trump administration indicated it would know within “days or weeks” if Iran is negotiating in bad faith. If talks collapse, officials suggested the U.S. is prepared to significantly tighten economic pressure. Donald Trump himself expressed caution regarding the Friday signing, stating, “You never know with deals, do you? But you’re going to find out pretty soon.”
What is Israel’s role in the agreement?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly stated he had not received a copy of the MOU. Senior U.S. officials responded that while Netanyahu may not have the final text, he “has not asked us for a copy” and his team has been briefed frequently.
Despite public skepticism from both nations, one senior official revealed that Netanyahu told the U.S. team privately that if Iran delivers on its commitments, he believes it would be a “historic deal.”
Quick Comparison: Immediate vs. Conditional Benefits
| Benefit | Timing | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Export Waivers | Immediate | Signing of MOU |
| Frozen Assets | Delayed | Full implementation of MOU |
| Broad Sanctions Relief | Delayed | Final nuclear settlement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is down-blending?
It’s the process of mixing enriched uranium with natural or depleted uranium to reduce its concentration, making it unsuitable for weapons.
When is the MOU being signed?
The formal signing ceremony is scheduled for this Friday.
Does this deal end the conflict in Lebanon?
The MOU calls for a permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, though Israel retains the right to self-defense against Hezbollah.
Will Iran get its frozen money back immediately?
No. According to the MOU, funds are released only after the terms of the agreement are implemented.
What do you think about the 60-day negotiation window? Is it enough time to secure a permanent deal? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for live updates on the Friday signing.