Iran’s lead negotiator has derided the recent peace deal as a significant failure on the part of the United States upon its official signing. The US made public the full content of the Memorandum of Understanding in advance of the scheduled signing ceremony. This agreement encompasses prolonging the ceasefire, granting access to the Strait of Hormuz, and aiming to resolve the conflict within a four-month timeframe.
Reportedly, the peace deal was electronically signed and is now effective. Both countries have a 60-day window to exhibit their commitment to abiding by the terms outlined in the agreement. However, Iran’s chief negotiator expressed disappointment in the deal, labeling it as a fiasco for the US.
In a televised statement following the release of the agreement text, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf remarked, “The pact signifies a failure on the part of the US. Its contents will be scrutinized and evaluated by the people.” He reiterated Iran’s stance on charging ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz post the initial 60-day grace period detailed in the memorandum of understanding.
The vice president is set to journey to Switzerland this Friday to finalize the memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at resolving tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, President Trump, aged 80, is expected to return to the US from the G7 summit instead of staying in Europe.
Questions have been raised by critics regarding whether the vice president is being positioned to take the blame should the agreement collapse. During the summit in France, Trump was directly asked about the vice president’s role in the deal. A Fox News reporter queried, suggesting that sending the vice president could lead to either credit or blame depending on the outcome.
In response, Trump humorously embraced the idea, quipping, “I like that idea, sure. This way, if it works out, I’ll take the credit. If it doesn’t, I’m blaming JD.” The President jokingly warned JD to be cautious, hinting at consequences if the deal goes awry.
Upon the conclusion of the conference, Trump reiterated his approval of the concept, considering it a favorable strategy. Prior to the disclosure of the agreement details, the vice president revealed that negotiators from Qatar and Pakistan, who assisted in brokering the deal, had requested a temporary delay in releasing the full text.
He emphasized the US’s desire to expedite the publication of the agreement. Vance defended the deal, refuting any misrepresentation, and asserted that it would benefit the American populace. He highlighted the agreement’s potential to incentivize Iran to cease funding terrorism and halt the pursuit of nuclear weapons in exchange for reintegration into the global economy.