Free Republic

The United States on Wednesday released the official text of the memorandum of understanding reached over the weekend with Iran.A senior US administration official read out the 14-point document, which spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing certain financial restrictions on Iran and sets out expectations for addressing Iran’s nuclear program during future technical talks.Titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the document was released after outcry that its text hadn’t been released publicly.

President Donald Trump declared an end to his campaign against Iran’s leaders with an exhortation on Sunday: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” With the Iranian regime still in place, he was celebrating a resumption of the way the world was on Feb. 27, the day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran. A return to a version of the status quo was a far cry from the original aims of a war effort that kicked off with a vow to come to the aid of the Iranian protesters who had taken to their...

Four U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft departed for Europe on Thursday, carrying equipment for a possible signing ceremony in Geneva. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed earlier that the United States had reached a "great settlement" with Iran to end the war, while Tehran said it had "not yet reached a final decision," as Iran's hardline faction warned that Trump may be bluffing. If signed, the "Islamabad Agreement" would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees, extend the ceasefire for 60 days, including in Lebanon, and open nuclear negotiations, representing the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the war.What's...

President Trump announced that he canceled planned strikes against Iran on Thursday and claimed Iran's leadership "approved" a draft agreement that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. (snip)The sources said the gaps were narrowed on three key issues: The mechanism for releasing Iran's frozen assets — the most important issue for the Iranians.Arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period.How negotiations over Iran's nuclear program would be conducted during the 60-day ceasefire period.