Iran war day 109: Tehran, Washington, sign MoU electronically

What Happened

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s chief negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and lift the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran’s National Security Council confirmed the deal halts fighting immediately. Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz would be ‘completely open’ by Friday, and Vice President JD Vance said no tolls would be levied during the 60-day negotiation period. A senior Iranian official claimed the U.S. agreed to release $25 billion in frozen assets and waive oil sanctions temporarily, but Vance denied any sanctions relief or unfrozen assets. Three Iranian oil tankers have already crossed the strait, according to Iranian media. In Lebanon, Israel continued strikes, killing one person, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon, defying the MoU. Israeli cabinet members called for renewed attacks on Hezbollah. Global reactions included Ukrainian support, Japanese concern over Israel’s strikes, and a U.S. lobbying group insisting the deal must preserve Israel’s ability to act militarily. Oil prices rose on the news.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The MoU marks a potential inflection point in a 109-day multi-front war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran-backed forces across Lebanon, Gaza, and maritime domains. The Strait of Hormuz’s reopening could stabilize global energy markets, while the promised 60-day diplomatic window raises the prospect of renewed nuclear talks and sanctions relief—though conflicting statements on asset releases cloud the deal’s credibility. Israeli defiance threatens to fracture the ceasefire, particularly along the Lebanon front, testing U.S. influence over its ally and Iran’s commitment through Hezbollah. The outcome will shape the balance of power across the Levant and the Persian Gulf.

Watch For

The official signing of the MoU in Switzerland on Friday, when the full text is expected; the U.S. Congress’s briefing and possible vote; Israeli actions in southern Lebanon and Gaza, especially whether Hezbollah halts fire; the safe departure of the roughly 22,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf; oil market reactions; and any concrete steps on sanctions relief or nuclear talks in the 60-day window.