Saudi media publishes purported US-Iran MoU

The released MoU resembles a 14-point version published by Iran media which President Trump described as “fake news.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Al Arabiya English reported Tuesday that it had obtained and published what it described as a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, outlining proposed terms for ending hostilities and advancing negotiations toward a broader agreement.

The Saudi-owned outlet said the draft calls for an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Under the reported terms, the United States would immediately lift its naval blockade on Iran and prevent “any interference” related to the matter.

The draft also calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region within one month of a final agreement, while Iran would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz within the same time frame.

Al Arabiya reported that the proposal includes a commitment by the United States and its “regional partners” to develop a reconstruction plan for Iran funded with at least $300 billion.

The draft further states that, following implementation of a final agreement, the United States would remove all sanctions imposed on Iran, including United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency measures.

According to the reported text, Iran would commit to never producing nuclear weapons. The issue of enriched uranium would be addressed in a final agreement.

Until then, the United States would approve maintaining the current status of Iran’s nuclear program.

The proposal also reportedly authorizes exports of Iranian crude oil, including related banking, insurance and shipping services, and provides for the release of all frozen Iranian funds.

The terms published by Al Arabiya resemble a separate 14-point proposal circulated by Iranian media earlier in the week before the ceasefire. President Donald Trump described that proposal as “fake news.”

Earlier Tuesday, Trump also rejected a Financial Times report that his administration would support a privately funded $300 billion reconstruction initiative for Iran if Tehran accepted the terms of a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and reaching a nuclear agreement.

“Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the U.S. is paying Iran 300 million Dollars is Fake News, put out by the Dumocrats!!!” Trump wrote on social media.

Separately, a U.S. official reportedly said Lebanon was not included in the Iranian ceasefire and that Israel would retain the ability to defend itself if Hezbollah attacks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz both said Israel would continue holding its positions in Lebanon and defend its northern border against Hezbollah.