Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has outlined Tehran’s position on a reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Iran and the United States, while contrasting sharply with statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding the timing and content of the agreement.

Speaking at a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday with ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and heads of foreign missions, Araghchi said that from Iran’s perspective, the MoU involves two main sides: the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran and Hezbollah on the other.

He also rejected claims made by Trump that the agreement had already been signed overnight, insisting instead that the MoU is expected to be signed on Friday.

Araghchi emphasized that, in Iran’s view, the end of the war in Lebanon is inseparable from a broader regional settlement, including what he described as the end of occupation of Lebanese territory.

He stated that any future military action by Israel against Lebanon, as well as continued occupation of Lebanese land, would constitute violations of the anticipated MoU.

According to Araghchi, the heads of the Iranian and US delegations are expected to sign the memorandum on Friday ahead of the first formal round of negotiations.

He added that Tehran aims to build on existing understandings and translate them into what he described as a tangible economic opening, while maintaining a cautious stance due to longstanding mistrust of the United States.

“The negotiation agenda and implementation mechanism will be shaped by the lack of trust stemming from past experiences and unmet commitments,” Araghchi said.

He further noted that Iran intends to pursue diplomatic opportunities pragmatically but without relying excessively on any single outcome.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump offered a different account, stating that a memorandum of understanding with Iran had already been signed.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Evian, France, ahead of the G7 summit, Trump also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened by Friday.

The signing ceremony, according to Trump, is scheduled to take place in Geneva, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to attend. Trump said he may or may not be present due to scheduling constraints linked to the G7 summit, though he did not rule out involvement.

The conflicting statements from Tehran and Washington highlight continuing uncertainty surrounding the status and scope of the reported agreement, as well as the broader regional implications tied to negotiations involving Iran, the United States, and allied actors. (ILKHA)