Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Iran-US MoU ends as violations mount, West Asia peace uncertain
Two months ago, Iran and the United States signed a paper called a Memorandum of Understanding.
It was a promise to stop fighting a war that had started in February.
The war began when Israel and the US attacked Iran and killed its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The agreement had 14 different promises, including letting ships pass through a very important waterway called the Strait of Hormuz.
Many of those promises were broken by both sides.
Israel attacked Lebanon, the US attacked Iran, and Iran attacked US bases and ships.
The agreement ended on Monday, August 17.
Iran is now talking with Oman about how ships should use the Strait of Hormuz.
Nobody knows yet if the US and Iran will make a new deal.
Leaders are also still trying to make peace in Gaza, but they do not agree on what should happen first.
The 14-point Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding, signed two months ago to end a war that began with US and Israeli strikes killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expired on Monday, August 17.
A July 25 New York Times analysis found that nearly all of the agreement's 14 points had been violated.
Violations included Israel's military action in Lebanon, US strikes on Iran, and Iranian retaliation against US bases and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said Monday it was working to finalise a joint statement with Oman on managing ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
There has been no word from either the US or Iran on extending the MoU or reaching a final deal, while Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya over the Gaza peace plan.
- Who
- Iran, the United States, Israel, Oman, Hamas, and Hezbollah, including leaders Donald Trump, Masoud Pezeshkian, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jared Kushner, and Khalil al-Hayya
- What
- The 14-point Iran-US MoU to end the war expired with nearly all provisions violated, leaving the future of peace talks uncertain
- When
- The MoU was signed two months ago and ended on Monday, August 17
- Where
- West Asia, including the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, Gaza, and US military bases in the region
- Why
- Lack of trust between the parties led to continued military operations and violations of the agreement's terms
Critics of continued military action
Proponents of military pressure
Israel's military action in Lebanon
Critics of continued military action
The US criticised Israel's strikes, with Trump saying too many people have been killed and that not everyone in the apartment houses is Hezbollah.
Proponents of military pressure
Israel argues military action in southern Lebanon is necessary because of the presence of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political party and military group.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Critics of continued military action
Iran says ships must coordinate with it when moving through the region and attacked vessels that did not, while the MoU gave Iran a say in the waterway's future administration.
Proponents of military pressure
The waterway previously saw ships pass freely without any country allowing or withholding access, and Iran's actions disrupted global oil and LNG flows.
Gaza peace plan conditions
Critics of continued military action
Hamas has agreed to disarm, and the Trump-chaired Board of Peace plan is conditional on Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Proponents of military pressure
Netanyahu says Israeli forces will not leave the region until Hamas gives up arms fully, a stance seen as reflecting a hardline position and political pressures ahead of October elections.
- MoU points
- 14
- MoU duration
- 60 days, extendable with mutual consent
- Expiry date
- Monday, August 17
- Strait of Hormuz share of global oil and LNG flows
- 20%
- Khamenei killed
- February, in US and Israeli strikes
- NYT assessment
- July 25 analysis found nearly all 14 points violated
- Iran-Oman statement
- Being finalised on managing ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz
- Gaza peace plan
- Conditional on Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza