Iran's top negotiator has mocked the recently signed peace deal as an 'ultimate American failure,' casting doubt on its durability. The US released the full text of the Memorandum of Understanding ahead of its signing, which includes extending the ceasefire and opening the Strait of Hormuz, with the US hoping to end the conflict after four months.
The signing of the peace agreement was reportedly 'digital' and is now in effect. Both countries now have 60 days to demonstrate their commitment to the terms. However, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on state TV following the text's release: 'The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge.' He reiterated that Tehran will charge ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz after the 60-day fee-free period claimed in the memorandum.
The vice president is set to travel to Switzerland this Friday to sign the memorandum with Iran, aiming to end the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, President Trump, 80, will return to the US from the G7 summit rather than staying in Europe. Critics have questioned whether Vice President Vance has been positioned to take blame if the agreement falters.
At the G7 summit in France, Trump was asked about Vance's involvement. A Fox News reporter inquired: 'Is there some element where you send the vice president if it works out, you look like a genius, and if not, it's his fault?' Trump replied with a straight face: 'I like that idea, sure,' as the room laughed. He added: 'This way, if it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD.' Trump then joked: 'You better be careful, JD. He’s going to turn his plane around and get the hell out of here.'
Ahead of the deal's details release, Vance said Qatari and Pakistani negotiators 'asked us not to release the full text for a little while,' but the US pushed for its release. Vance claimed the deal has been misrepresented and argued it is 'fundamentally a good deal for the American people,' adding that if Iran stops funding terrorism and pursuing nuclear weapons, they can receive benefits and rejoin the world economy.
