The United States, Iran, and mediators are discussing the possibility of moving up the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from Friday to as early as Wednesday, according to a diplomat from one of the mediating countries and another source familiar with the discussions. If this occurs, the MOU would be signed electronically, and the provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz would take effect, potentially leading to the release of the text of the agreement by the U.S.
The diplomatic source indicated that the discussions aimed to facilitate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz sooner than Friday, as both parties agreed on this issue. Additionally, there is political pressure on the White House to release the text of the MOU. However, a source familiar with the discussions stated that Iran requested the text not be published until the formal signing, denying that the White House was responding to political pressure.
As of Wednesday morning, no final decision had been made regarding the timing of the signing. The White House has declined to comment on the matter.
Despite any changes in timing, the meeting between U.S. and Iranian delegations, led by Vice President Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, is still scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. They are expected to discuss the initiation of negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program.
A senior administration official mentioned that the deal was electronically signed on Sunday by President Trump, Vance, and Ghalibaf, although a diplomatic source disputed this claim. It remains unclear why two signings would be necessary. The White House has stated that the opening of the Strait by Iran and the lifting of the U.S. blockade would only commence on Friday after the formal signing ceremony, which could be expedited if the deal is signed earlier, according to the diplomatic source.