U.S. and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding Remotely

The U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities and open the Strait of Hormuz, according to two U.S. officials. President Trump signed the agreement, which is now in effect. The signing was initially scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, but discussions led to an earlier implementation. A diplomatic source indicated that both parties agreed to expedite the opening of the strait. There were also claims regarding political pressure on the White House to release the text of the MOU, although it was stated that Iran requested the text remain unpublished until the formal signing. The Iranian foreign ministry confirmed that the MOU would be signed electronically by both presidents. A meeting between U.S. and Iranian delegations is still expected to occur in Switzerland on Friday, where they will discuss negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. There are conflicting reports regarding whether the deal was signed electronically on a previous occasion, with some sources claiming it was a second signing. Trump signed the document again during a dinner in France with President Emmanuel Macron.