Analysis: Differences between the U.S. and Iran over a memorandum of understanding—while the U.S. seeks nuclear talks, Iran focuses on the Strait of Hormuz

Jinse Finance reports that, on June 30, according to Al Jazeera, maritime security analyst Alexandru Hudisteanu said that interpretations of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the U.S. are “misaligned.” Iran is more inclined to interpret the content strictly according to the wording of the agreement, while the U.S. emphasizes the agreement’s overall spirit. This divergence is especially evident in arrangements for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts believe Iran wants to establish the current arrangement as a bilateral temporary ceasefire agreement with legal force under international law, while the U.S. views it as an “understanding” — namely, that over the next 60 days Iran will ensure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains smooth, after which relevant discussions will continue. Hudisteanu noted that Iran still wants to prioritize issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and treat them as an important bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S.; by contrast, the U.S. wants to resolve the Strait issue as soon as possible and shift the focus of negotiations to Iran’s nuclear issue.