U.S. and Iran in Last-Minute Struggle Over Memorandum of Understanding... 'Ceasefire vs. End of War'

S. propaganda billboard. Reuters/Yonhap News [Financial News] As the United States and Iran continue to haggle over a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU), reports have emerged that the two sides are clashing over the nature of the ceasefire included in the deal. Iran appears to view a ceasefire with the United States as effectively meaning the end of the war, while the United States sees it as a conditional truce.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 28th local time, citing sources, that the United States and Iran remain divided over the ceasefire MOU. Earlier, Axios reported on the 23rd that the two sides were close to signing an MOU that would extend a 60-day ceasefire and address Iran's denuclearization and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a follow-up report on the 28th, Axios claimed that the United States and Iran had reached a principle agreement on the MOU and were awaiting final approval from U. S.
President Donald Trump. According to NYT, the United States interprets the draft MOU as calling for a halt to hostilities for 60 days, during which nuclear issues and sanctions relief would be addressed. The United States plans to ease tensions through an initial ceasefire and continue pressuring Iran until a final agreement on denuclearization is reached. Iran, by contrast, is demanding a comprehensive ceasefire with political significance.
Iranian officials have insisted that the draft MOU must include a declaration ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. On the same day, The Guardian reported that Trump had shared the draft MOU with Israel and other allies involved in the Middle East. The draft reportedly includes a provision to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within 30 days. The United States is also said to be considering lifting sanctions on up to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets overseas if Iran gives up nuclear weapons under the deal.
In related remarks, U. S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters from local media outlets, including CNN, on the 28th that he viewed the talks with Iran as "fairly positive. " He said, "So far, I believe Iran has been negotiating in good faith," adding that talks are under way on key issues such as Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and uranium enrichment.
Vance added, "We hope continued progress will bring us to a point where the president can approve the agreement, but nothing has been finalized yet. " Asked about the possibility of Trump signing the MOU, he said, "It is still hard to say when, or even whether, the president will actually sign the MOU. " Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency, a semi-official Iranian outlet, said in a report on the 28th that Western claims that the document is nearing official release are not true, citing Axios' reporting on the MOU. Iranian media also reported that one U.
S. drone was shot down in the southern region that day. On the same day, United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which leads U. S.
military operations against Iran, said on X that the Iranian reports were false and emphasized, "No U. S. aircraft has been shot down.
"
pjw@fnnews.com Park Jong-won Reporter