Iran Deal Cheatsheet (MOU)

🗂️ Background: On February 28, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury to "eliminate the imminent nuclear threat posed by the Iranian regime, destroy its ballistic missile arsenal, degrade its proxy terror networks, and cripple its naval forces." The nearly four-month war resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with over 3,000 Iranians and 13 U.S. service-members; the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (a critical energy trade route); and global economic disruption.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reports that over the course of combat, "America's military achieved every single objective," noting Iran no longer has "any sort of a comprehensive air defense system." Military efforts hit 90% of Iran's weapons factories and 80% of their nuclear industrial base; data shows the vast majority of Iran's missile facilities are now destroyed.

NOTE: In the two months leading up to Operation Epic Fury, Iranians launched large-scale protests re: the economy and broader Islamic regime. While Iranian authorities instituted a communications blackout – making details difficult to confirm – the United Kingdom reports Iran "responded forcefully, implementing a violent crackdown to suppress the protests" – killing an estimated 12,000 - 20,000 of its own citizens by mid-January. Claiming to have viewed documents provided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran International places the total at over 36,500; figures remain unconfirmed.

To read Quick Conservative’s original reporting on the issue, see: The Iran Massacre.

What is the Iran deal Trump just signed?

On June 17, 2026, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that immediately triggered a 60-day negotiations period, during which time a series of key events (including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz) will take place. The White House shared a video of President Trump signing a copy at Versailles (during the G7 Summit); the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran's official news agency, confirmed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed, as well. 

While the IRNA says the MOU "formally concludes the imposed war waged by the U.S. and the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump was more cautious, warning:

"It’s a Memorandum of Understanding. If it doesn't get done in 60 days, that's alright – we go back to bombing. I don't want to do that because it's so good, but we might have to because we're never going to let them have a nuclear weapon."

As the MOU itself states, "the final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts" [emphasis added].

Where can I read the Iran MOU?

At this time, the Iran MOU has not been released as a standalone document (i.e., published on a government website). However, senior White House officials read a draft of the agreement to journalists on a June 17 press call, which has been transcribed by The Epoch Times, Associated Press, and a number of other outlets.

What are the main points?

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran includes 14 points:

1. Fighting: Immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts

2. Non-Interference: Both countries will refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs

3. Deadline: The final deal will be negotiated within 60 days (extendable by mutual consent)

4. Blockade Removal: The U.S. will immediately begin removing its naval blockade against Iran (full removal within 30 days) and then remove its forces from Iran’s proximity within 30 days after the final deal

5. Strait of Hormuz: Iran will use its "best efforts" for safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in both directions, with no charge, for 60 days; traffic starts immediately and must be fully restored in 30 days; Iran will work with Oman and other Persian Gulf states to "define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz" 

6. Rebuilding Iran: Along with regional partners, the U.S. will develop a "mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran"

7. Sanctions: The U.S. will terminate "all types of sanctions" against Iran in an agreed-upon schedule "as part of the final deal"

8. Nuclear Program: Iran will not procure or develop nuclear weapons; enriched-material stockpiles will be resolved by an agreed mechanism; enrichment and Iran's nuclear needs will be negotiated in the final deal

9. Status Quo: Pending the final deal, Iran will maintain its current nuclear program and the U.S. won't impose new sanctions or deploy additional forces

10. Iran Oil Sales: The U.S. will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services (including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.)

11. Frozen Assets: The U.S. will unfreeze/make fully available restricted Iranian funds and assets upon MOU implementation

12. Monitoring Plan: An executive mechanism will be established "to monitor the successful implementation" of the MOU and "future compliance of the final deal"

13. Timeline: After signing and beginning implementation of key provisions, the U.S. and Iran will start final deal negotiations

14. U.N. Endorsement: The final deal will be endorsed by binding United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution

Again, full transcripts – as communicated by senior White House officials – are available via The Epoch Times and Associated Press.

What’s with the Obama comparisons?

In 2015, the Obama administration led the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Islamic Republic of Iran's Nuclear Program (JCPOA).

Unlike the 14-point agreement discussed above (which is only a Memorandum of Understanding), the JCPOA was a detailed nuclear/sanctions agreement endorsed by the United Nations. The JCPOA addressed specifics re: Iran’s enrichment, centrifuges, stockpiles, and monitoring rules.  

While tempting click-bait, it’s too early to compare the deals – the U.S. and Iran just announced plans to begin negotiating a Trump-era plan; so far, all we have is a 14-point roadmap. Attempts to compare its merits to Obama’s finalized plan are largely speculative. 

That being said, the MOU’s stated intention to pursue several initiatives – including a $300 billion reconstruction plan and release of frozen assets – have fueled early (and heated) comparisons to JCPOA. 

The final Trump/Iran deal is expected within 60 days (unless the deadline is extended by mutual agreement).

✏️ The Left Has a Point: President Trump’s critics – including plenty on the right – argue that the MOU (while not a final plan) is already way too soft on Iran. Political pundit Batya Ungar-Sargon, a self-described "MAGA Lefty", goes so far as to call the MOU "total capitulation." 

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley writes:

"Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on U.S. soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us. 

Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do – to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed."

Obama's Crate of Cash

Flashback to 2016:

For decades, Iran had been pursuing a $400 million payment from a military equipment purchase that was never completed.

On January 16, 2016, President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran (JCPOA, discussed above) went into effect. One day later – on January 17 – the Obama administration announced plans to pay Iran the long-outstanding equipment claim, plus over one billion dollars in interest (totaling $1.7 billion). 

Of note, a third situation was also playing out in the background: Iran was holding a number of Americans hostage. On the same day of the payment agreement, Obama announced that "several Americans unjustly detained by Iran are finally coming home."  

Critics questioned whether the equipment settlement was a disguised ransom – which Obama firmly denied. However, suspicion mounted when the U.S. paid the $400 million in cash – converting the sum to foreign currency and "physically" transporting it to Geneva.

Government officials later acknowledged that the $400 million paid in cash to Iran was untraceable – sparking outrage that the payout could potentially fund terrorism without U.S. knowledge.

Feel Good Story

🌳 SB Mowing isn’t your average lawn care service – its owner, Spencer, cleans up lawns and transforms lives :-) 

⬇️ Take Spencer’s most recent project:  

💔 After losing her husband to pancreatic cancer, a woman named Debbie had fallen behind on rent and was sometimes going without food. After Debbie’s Uber driver, Zach, carried groceries inside and noticed how bad things were, he contacted SB Mowing (which is known on social media for its non-profit work). 

👷‍♂️ Spencer and his dad then spent two days clearing out years of overgrowth from Debbie’s property and paid her rent :-)

🎉 But that’s not the best part: SB Mowing then launched a fundraiser for Debbie and – as of publication – the effort has raised $680,038 from over 22,000 supporters!

😇 There’s so many heroes in this story, but my favorite might just be Zach :-) What an inspiration to always look for ways to help people we randomly encounter in our daily life/job!

Bible Verse

✝️ And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." – Exodus 14:13-14

I’ll be on Instagram answering questions tonight – jump into my stories to add your own or send a quick email with whatever you’d like me to cover! :-)