US-Iran Peace Deal Signed, The Hard Part Begins Now: 5 Things To Watch In The Next 60 Days
US-Iran Peace Deal Signed, The Hard Part Begins Now: 5 Things To Watch In The Next 60 Days Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026
US-Iran Peace Deal Signed, The Hard Part Begins Now: 5 Things To Watch In The Next 60 Days Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 09:49 IST The MoU launches a 60-day implementation period during which both sides must fulfil a series of commitments before a comprehensive peace agreement can be concluded. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). (AI generated image) US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of conflict and opening the door to a broader peace agreement between the two countries. The agreement, finalised through electronic signatures after negotiators settled the final text, marks the first formal accord between US and Iran in years. The signing came days after officials from both sides agreed on a 14-point framework covering issues ranging from the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief to Iran’s nuclear programme. But despite the historic optics, both governments have stressed that this is not the end of negotiations. Instead, the MoU launches a 60-day implementation period during which both sides must fulfil a series of commitments before a comprehensive peace agreement can be concluded. Iranian officials were quick to temper expectations after the signing, saying it was now “time to test the implementation" – a signal that success will depend less on signatures and more on whether Washington and Tehran can deliver on their promises.
Here are the five biggest developments to watch over the next two months. 1. Will both sides stick to the ceasefire? The agreement requires an immediate halt to hostilities while negotiations continue. Although fighting has subsided, the memorandum allows either side to suspend or abandon negotiations if the ceasefire breaks down or either party believes commitments are not being honoured. That makes the coming weeks the first major test of trust after years of confrontation. Even a limited military incident in the Gulf or elsewhere in the region could derail the diplomatic process before a final agreement is reached. 2. Can the nuclear issue finally be resolved? Perhaps the most difficult task ahead concerns Iran’s nuclear programme. Instead of demanding the immediate destruction of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, the memorandum proposes that highly enriched uranium be down-blended under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reducing it to levels suitable for civilian use. Iran has also reiterated that it will not pursue nuclear weapons, while agreeing to cooperate with international inspectors. However, observers will now have to verify compliance on the ground, making the implementation process just as important as the agreement itself. Any disagreement over inspections, enrichment levels or verification timelines could quickly become the biggest obstacle to a final deal. 3. Will sanctions relief arrive quickly enough? For Iran, the biggest incentive is economic. Under the framework, the United States has agreed to begin easing pressure through oil sanctions waivers, lifting the naval blockade and eventually allowing Iran access to portions of its frozen overseas assets.
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