New US-Iran MOU Triggers 60-Day Drive Toward Final Deal as Hormuz Traffic Rebounds

The United States and Iran signed an interim memorandum of understanding to pause hostilities and launch a 60-day window to negotiate a final deal, with Iran pledging not to pursue nuclear weapons and the U.S. promising sanctions relief and a rollback of maritime pressure as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes. Ayatollah Khamenei voiced conditional approval; hardliners warned Tehran won’t honor commitments if Washington doesn’t deliver. CENTCOM lifted the blockade, and mediators including Pakistan, Qatar and Switzerland are involved in the talks, while markets respond to steadier oil flows and lower prices.