The U.S.-Iran deal was signed electronically on Sunday by President Trump, Vice President Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, senior administration officials told reporters on Monday. The agreement is already testing whether both sides can turn a battlefield pause into a broader settlement, starting with the Strait of Hormuz and moving to the thornier question of Iran's nuclear program.
A 60-day ceasefire extension is in effect, U.S. officials say, including in Lebanon. However, the Strait of Hormuz is not expected to begin reopening until after a formal signing ceremony Friday in Geneva, underscoring the fragile nature of the initial accord.
Vance, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Ghalibaf, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet Friday with Pakistani and Qatari mediators. The full text of the memorandum of understanding will be released in the next 24-48 hours, officials say, though Trump indicated it might not be published until after signing.
Markets and world powers are closely watching the process, yet few have actually read the agreement's text. The deal’s scope remains unclear, particularly how it will address Iran's nuclear ambitions beyond the immediate ceasefire and maritime security provisions.
Critics argue the lack of transparency risks undermining trust, as both sides may interpret the MOU differently. Success depends on whether this initial step can build momentum for deeper negotiations, or whether unresolved details will stall progress.