US-Iran Memorandum Could Be Signed as Early as This Weekend

The United States and Iran could sign a memorandum to end the Gulf conflict as early as Sunday, according to a Reuters source, with Geneva cited as the most likely venue.

The text of the document is still being finalized. Tehran insists the agreement must include a cessation of fighting in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in combat with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

Reuters reported the memorandum could be signed by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Iranian officials say much of the text is ready but that the country will not back down from its core demands.

According to Iranian sources, the draft provides for the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, the release of frozen funds and a cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon. The United States has not confirmed these conditions.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had called off planned strikes against Iran in light of progress in the negotiations. Israel said it was not a party to the memorandum.

(reuters, bak)