U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian official Mahmud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on May 28, 2026, to end hostilities [1].
The agreement seeks to stabilize the Middle East by establishing a framework for long-term peace talks and securing the flow of global energy through a critical maritime corridor.
The two leaders signed the document remotely after a planned ceremony in Switzerland was canceled [1]. President Trump signed the memorandum from Versailles, France, while Pezeshkian signed from Tehran, Iran [1]. The signing followed a telephone reading of the text on May 27 [2].
Under the terms of the memorandum, the two nations have agreed to extend the existing cease-fire for 60 days [3]. This window is intended to facilitate a new round of negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program [3].
Reports on the scope of the deal vary. Some sources describe it as a preliminary peace agreement that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a partial lifting of sanctions [4]. Other reports characterize the deal as a provisional step focused primarily on the 60-day truce [3].
President Trump said that a definitive peace agreement could be completed as early as the current weekend [5]. However, other reports suggest the process is moving slowly and that key discrepancies between the two parties remain [6].
Despite the diplomatic progress, the U.S. administration maintains a hard line on regional security. Trump said, "If Oman tried to control the Strait of Hormuz together with Iran, Washington would respond with military action" [7].
An unnamed U.S. negotiator said, "We have reached a provisional agreement to extend the cease‑fire for 60 days and begin a new round of talks on the nuclear program" [3].
“We have reached a provisional agreement to extend the cease‑fire for 60 days”
This memorandum represents a fragile attempt to pivot from active conflict to diplomatic negotiation. By linking the 60-day cease-fire to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear talks, the U.S. is attempting to leverage economic stability and maritime security to secure long-term nuclear concessions. The discrepancy in how the deal is reported—ranging from a provisional truce to a preliminary peace treaty—suggests that the exact terms of sanctions relief and regional control remain points of contention.
