Iran's chief negotiator has ridiculed the peace deal as an "ultimate American failure" following its signing. The US published the complete text of the Memorandum of Understanding ahead of its signing this evening.
Key Terms of the Agreement
The agreement includes extending the ceasefire, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the US hopes to conclude the conflict after four months. It is understood that the signing of the peace agreement was "digital" and is now in force. The countries now have 60 days to demonstrate they are prepared to adhere to the terms after signing the deal.
Iran's Criticism
However, Iran's chief negotiator has described the deal as a 'failure' for the US. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on state TV following the release of the text: "The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge." He reiterated that Tehran will charge vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz after the 60-day fee-free period outlined in the memorandum of understanding.
Upcoming Signing
The vice president is scheduled to travel to Switzerland this Friday to sign the memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East. Trump, 80, will return to the US from the G7 summit rather than remaining in Europe. Critics have questioned whether Vance has been positioned to shoulder the blame should the agreement collapse.
Trump's Remarks
At the summit in France on Wednesday, Trump was asked directly about the vice president's involvement in the deal. A Fox News reporter questioned the president: "Is there some element to this where you send the vice president if it works out, great, you look like a genius for sending him. And if it doesn't work out, it's the vice president's fault?" Trump appeared to respond in jest to the suggestion. He replied with a straight face: "I like that idea, sure," as the room burst into laughter. "This way, if it works out, I'm going to take the credit. If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD," Trump added. "You better be careful, JD," Trump continued. "He's going to turn his plane around and get the hell out of here." As the conference concluded Trump said: "Yeah, I like that idea; I think it's a good idea."
Vance's Defense
Prior to the release of the agreement's details, the vice president revealed that Qatari and Pakistani negotiators, who assisted in brokering the deal, "asked us not to release the full text for a little while." He further stated that the US wanted "to push them to get it out today." Vance maintained that he had witnessed the deal being misrepresented and argued it is a "fundamentally a good deal for the American people." He went on to champion the agreement, stating: "whereby if the Iranians give us what we need on stopping the funding of terrorism, on no longer pursuing a nuclear weapon, then they can get some benefits, be reinvited into the world economy."
