Breaking Down the U.S.-Iran Agreement Line by Line (14 Points)

The tentative agreement between the United States and Iran has now entered its most challenging phase. This week, preparatory meetings will be held in Doha with various parties involved, followed by the formal signing of the agreement in Switzerland and the commencement of technical talks.

What exactly are these 14 clauses outlined in the memorandum of understanding? Let’s cut through the fluff and break down each key point clearly:

1. Permanent and immediate cessation of warfare on all fronts, including Lebanon.

This clause effectively forces Trump to rein in Netanyahu. Iran lacks the capacity to control Israeli military actions; only Trump himself can impose even a symbolic restraint on Israel. Iranians are fully aware of this reality.

At the same time, it fulfills Iran’s promise to its "younger brother," Hezbollah, of “no abandonment, no surrender.” This will greatly boost morale among regional armed groups—including the so-called “slippers army”—and maintain pressure on Israel across multiple fronts.

2. The U.S. pledges not to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and respects Iranian sovereignty.

Sovereignty encompasses territory, security, and more. Implicitly, this means military and political leaders and facilities will no longer be targeted. Attacks like the one on February 28 will no longer occur. Iran’s survival is directly attributable to the relentless diplomacy conducted over the past three months by figures such as Kalibaf and Alaghazi.

3. Complete lifting of maritime blockade within 30 days.

Both sides must act simultaneously—action for action. For Iran, this is relatively easy. But for the U.S. military, redeployment and major operational adjustments will be required.

4. The U.S. commits to withdrawing troops from the region surrounding Iran.

This would severely impact U.S. military posture. The boldest scenario involves a full withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East—an unthinkable decision for America to make.

5. Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days according to Iran’s “arrangements.”

Whether or not the strait is reopened will ultimately be decided by Iran. If they had known this earlier, why go through all this trouble?

6. Suspension of oil sanctions, petrochemical products, and their derivatives; Iran permitted full access to its financial earnings.

For the past half-century, Iran’s primary goal has been recovering its money and selling its oil. For U.S. hardliners, this amounts to letting Iran off the leash—releasing a tiger.

7. The U.S. and its allies must propose a reconstruction plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion.

The source of funding is crucial—who will pay?

Don’t expect the U.S. or Iran themselves—could it be Gulf financiers?

8. A 60-day negotiation period to reach a final agreement based on nuclear issues, completely lifting U.S. primary and secondary sanctions, as well as UN Security Council resolutions and IAEA Board of Governors decisions.

Returning the so-called nuclear issue to normalcy. As long as there is a mechanism in place, this benefits Iran—just like the original JCPOA, where Persians were never at a disadvantage. The destructive power of the U.S. and Israel lies precisely in ignoring rules, even rushing to take lives of revered clerics.

9. Iran reaffirms its commitment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty not to produce nuclear weapons.

In truth, Iran never intended to develop nuclear weapons.

This is the easiest pledge Iran could make—and also the one the U.S. loves to exploit for propaganda.

10. During negotiations, the U.S. promises not to increase military presence in the region or impose any new sanctions.

We’ll see how that plays out.

11. Release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds within the 60-day final negotiation period, with half to be delivered before negotiations begin.

Money first, then action.

12. Establishment of a monitoring mechanism to enforce the agreement.

The composition of the monitoring mechanism and personnel will be critical—will major powers finally step in?

13. Final agreement must be approved via a UN Security Council resolution.

The UN itself needs to step up its game.

14. Final negotiations will not commence until half of the frozen Iranian funds are released, oil sanctions are suspended, and the maritime blockade is lifted. The final agreement will cover only uranium enrichment materials, their fate, sanctions relief, and Iran’s economic reconstruction plan. Discussions regarding Iran’s missile program and support for resistance groups have been entirely removed from the agenda.

Iran will not risk its national security or personnel safety lightly—it will respond only when it sees results. No rabbits, no sowing of seeds.

Without a strong guarantor, the deal risks becoming a short-lived birthday cake—good only for Trump’s brief tenure.

No matter how much spin is applied, Trump has clearly lost the war against Iran. One might say Iran has strategically outmaneuvered him.

If Iran truly secures massive funds from the U.S., it will inevitably become a complete disaster for American foreign policy.

Naturally, the Great Leader will frame this as a tremendous victory for the U.S., telling his loyal followers that thanks to his “expert-level” negotiations, Iran agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons—but this has been Iran’s consistent position for years.

What Trump hates most is being reminded that this was already guaranteed under Obama’s agreement.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868028030374924/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.