Vance: "Trump's Final Approval of Iran MOU Undecided"... Deliberation Deepens (Comprehensive)

"Talks Still Ongoing Over Enriched Uranium"

Iran: "MOU Draft Not Finalized"

AFP Yonhap News

With only the final approval remaining for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities between the United States and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a difficult decision. His close aides have also refrained from commenting on whether President Trump will give his approval, noting that key negotiations are still ongoing over issues such as the disposal of enriched uranium. Considering the midterm elections and surging inflation, there is pressure for a swift decision, but there are also concerns that a hasty end to hostilities could provoke criticism, suggesting that President Trump may take his time. On the other hand, the Iranian side has denied that the MOU is in its final stages and has even carried out localized provocations, indicating that the final approval process is likely to be tumultuous.

Vance: "Trump has yet to decide on signing the MOU"...Bessent: "It’s a mistake to get ahead of the President"

Associated Press Yonhap News

According to Axios on May 28 (local time), the U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams have completed coordination for concluding the MOU. Only the final approvals from President Trump and Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei remain. Axios reported that President Trump has asked the mediators for a few more days to consider the matter.

The core of the MOU is the extension of a ceasefire for 60 days. According to The Guardian, the MOU includes, at the request of the United States: ▲ a 60-day ceasefire extension and negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program during the ceasefire period; ▲ opening the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees within 30 days; and ▲ a pledge from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons. In exchange, Iran’s demands have also been included: ▲ granting access to $12 billion in frozen assets; ▲ lifting of sanctions against Iran; and ▲ a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, during a press conference on his return from the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement ceremony, said, "It is difficult to say exactly when the President will sign the MOU," adding, "Negotiations are still ongoing over some of the wording." He continued, "There are several issues related to nuclear materials, such as Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and uranium enrichment," and explained, "We hope to continue making progress so that the President can approve the agreement, but nothing is finalized yet."

Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, who spoke at a White House briefing the same day, also acknowledged progress on the MOU but avoided answering whether President Trump would approve it, saying, "It is always a mistake to get ahead of the President." He emphasized, "President Trump has set three red lines: Iran must turn over highly enriched uranium, abandon nuclear development, and guarantee freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Without these conditions, there can be no agreement. President Trump will not accept a deal that is disadvantageous to the United States."

Some analysts predict that President Trump’s deliberation could be prolonged. Bloomberg noted, "President Trump is under political pressure to reach a nuclear agreement, while simultaneously facing pressure from hardline Republicans not to sign any deal under unfavorable terms," and pointed out, "A bigger issue is that his fierce criticism of previous agreements, such as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), has left him with a narrow scope for maneuver."

Iran: "MOU draft not finalized"... Claims to have shot down U.S. military aircraft

AP Yonhap News

In contrast to the atmosphere in the United States, Iran claims that even a draft of the MOU has yet to be prepared and has escalated to localized provocations. Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), cited sources close to the U.S.-Iran negotiating team as saying, "The draft MOU has not yet been finalized or confirmed," adding, "Reports from Western media are not true." The source continued, "The Pakistani mediator has not yet been informed that the MOU draft has been finalized," and emphasized, "After the draft receives the final approval from the Supreme Leader, it will be released to the mediator and the public."

In addition, the Iranian military claimed to have successfully shot down a U.S. military aircraft. According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the Iranian military stated that a U.S. aircraft was shot down near Bushehr in southern Iran. However, they did not disclose the type of aircraft or details of the incident.

In response to this announcement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) immediately stated via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "The Iranian military’s claim is false," adding, "No aircraft have been shot down and all U.S. military aircraft have been confirmed safe."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.