The United States and Iran have entered a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding, also known as Islamabad MoU. While the agreement marks an important diplomatic milestone by breaking years of impasse between the two countries, it should be viewed as an interim confidence-building framework rather than a comprehensive peace settlement. It declares a ceasefire, creates a 60-day negotiating opportunity, and spells out broad principles for addressing contentious issues such as economic sanctions on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear programme. But most of the thorny issues and questions have been deliberately left for the final determination of the mechanism.

The MoU began with a declaration to immediately and permanently halt military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Both parties vowed not to resort to the threat or use of force against each other. They also committed themselves to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also provided a wide space for negotiations in order to reach a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.

One of the most important operational provisions is regarding maritime security. On the part of the US, there was an undertaking to remove its naval blockade and associated impediments within 30 days. Simultaneously, Iran agreed to restore commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also agreed to allow commercial vessels to transit the Strait free of charge for 60 days while undertaking demining and removing technical obstacles to navigation. These provisions are vital steps to........

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