The interim deal struck by the US and Iran seeks to close a traumatic chapter for the Middle East and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations.
Longer term, if a final agreement is out of reach, a prolonged interim arrangement is in play, as well as a return to war.
A 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Iran and the US this week that formalizes a ceasefire and offers a path toward addressing the urgent issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tortuous as it was to arrive at, the interim deal constitutes the easy part, ahead of implementation. It doesn’t resolve serious outstanding differences between Iran and the US that triggered two rounds of direct conflict and must be now addressed in negotiations. It does have strong regional backing. But Israel remains a big risk. And translating the interim deal into a final agreement remains a long way off.
