In an appearance on CBS on June 14, Hegseth stated, "If Iran does not comply with the agreement, they will have to face the military again." He added, "We do not want that, and neither does President Trump," while asserting that Iran has suffered damage to its military and air defense capabilities due to recent U.S. airstrikes.
Hegseth noted that the MOU prohibits Iran from possessing, pursuing, or acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated, "If the agreement is finalized, the U.S. can work with Iran to eliminate or dilute highly enriched uranium, ensuring that Iran will not retain that material." He explained that this process may involve U.S. military or other forms of American involvement.
According to Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, the draft of the MOU includes provisions for Iran's nuclear disarmament, the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of U.S. maritime sanctions against Iran, a waiver on oil sanctions, and the release of $25 billion in frozen assets. The U.S. has also agreed to a plan for diluting highly enriched uranium within Iranian territory, with detailed procedures to be discussed in follow-up negotiations scheduled for 60 days after the MOU is signed.
However, U.S. officials clarified that Iran would not receive the return of frozen assets or sanctions relief immediately upon signing the MOU. A senior U.S. official explained, "Iran must fulfill its obligations regarding the transfer of nuclear materials and the dismantling of its nuclear program to receive any economic benefits, as the agreement is structured based on compliance outcomes."
Hegseth also stated, "The U.S. military posture will remain at a level that pressures Iran for compliance during the 60 days following the MOU."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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