U.S. and Iran Agree on MOU for Immediate Opening of Hormuz Strait

by SONG SEUNG HYUN Posted : June 14, 2026, 19:54Updated : June 14, 2026, 19:54
The HMM supertanker 'Universal Winner,' the first South Korean vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East conflict, arrived off the coast of Ulsan on June 10 for oil unloading.
The HMM supertanker 'Universal Winner,' the first South Korean vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East conflict, arrived off the coast of Ulsan on June 10 for oil unloading.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities includes provisions for the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Iranian official cited by Reuters on June 14.
Reports indicate that Iran has committed to abandoning its nuclear weapons program and agreed to the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the U.S. has consented to lift maritime sanctions, return a substantial amount of frozen funds, and suspend oil sanctions.
The final MOU stipulates that Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels immediately, while the U.S. will fully lift its maritime blockade against Iran.
The U.S. has agreed to release $25 billion (approximately 33.5 trillion won) in Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad. The return of these funds will occur through various methods, including direct cash transfers, regional cooperation, and credit lines.
Additionally, the U.S. is expected to suspend oil sanctions for a specific period, allowing Iran to legally sell oil. Furthermore, the U.S. has committed not to impose new sanctions on Iran until the final agreement is reached.
One of the major sticking points, Iran's enriched uranium, will be diluted within Iranian territory, according to reports. The specific procedures and methods for Iran's self-dilution of uranium will be discussed during the upcoming 60-day negotiation period.
Iran has also clearly agreed in the MOU draft that it will not manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances. It has committed to maintaining the current status quo, refraining from further uranium enrichment or expanding nuclear facilities until a final agreement is reached.



* This article has been translated by AI.