Leaked 14-Clause US-Iran MoU Grants Iran Relief Worth Up to $300 Billion
Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Jun 17
Leaked 14-Clause US-Iran MoU Grants Iran Relief Worth Up to $300 Billion
3 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Jun 17
Summary
A leaked US-Iran memorandum set for signing in Switzerland on June 19 outlines 14 clauses, including a 60-day negotiation period and immediate or phased relief on Iranian oil exports and port restrictions.
The draft could quickly unlock major cash for Tehran: Mehr estimated up to $10 billion from 60 days of oil sales, while a separate reconstruction and development plan could reach at least $300 billion if a final nuclear deal is reached.
Key conditions remain disputed. JD Vance said frozen assets would be released only after verified steps to eliminate Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, while the leaked text says sanctions and force levels would stay unchanged during talks.
The MoU also appears to leave room for Iranian leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring shipping to return to pre-war volumes within 30 days but not clearly barring future fees or Iranian 'management' of the waterway.
Iranian officials and media are already portraying the draft as a strategic victory, arguing it codifies wartime gains and extends pressure to Lebanon even as Israel continues strikes against Hezbollah.
Will releasing billions in frozen assets to Iran buy peace or simply fund the next regional conflict?
With inspectors blind since 2019, how can Iran's nuclear promises be verified for a lasting peace deal?
The 2026 US-Iran MoU Leak: $300 Billion Investment, Nuclear Pledges, and the Future of Sanctions Relief
Overview
On June 17, 2026, a leaked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) revealed a major step in US-Iran relations, setting the stage for renewed diplomacy. The MoU’s central point is Iran’s explicit commitment to refrain from producing nuclear weapons, echoing earlier pledges made under the Obama-era nuclear deal and in talks before the recent conflict. Former President Trump highlighted this as nearly achieving his main goal of stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, the MoU leaves several key issues unresolved for future negotiation, making this agreement a starting point rather than a final solution.