"Media should refrain from entering speculation": Iran on contents of peace deal with US
Tehran, June 12
After reports suggesting that the memorandum of understanding for the peace agreement between Tehran and Washington includes an extension of the ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for further talks on the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme, Iran on Friday urged the media to avoid speculating about the contents of the agreement, stating that details of the agreement would be made public once the process reaches its conclusion.
In a post on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" was nearing finalisation and emphasised that official information would be released in due course.
"The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course," Araghchi said in his post.
Araghchi's remarks come after CNN, citing multiple diplomatic sources, earlier reported that the memorandum between the US and Iran is expected to be signed in Geneva, Switzerland, with the proposed agreement reportedly envisaging a 60-day ceasefire "on all fronts", including Lebanon, beginning immediately upon signing; the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without Iran imposing any transit charges; and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and commercial shipments and maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would gradually return to pre-conflict levels within 30 days of the agreement's signing.
CNN also reported that the proposed arrangement includes lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and providing limited sanctions relief, with the diplomatic source stating that such relief would be granted "based on the progression of the deal and continued engagement in good faith", although no specific timeline has been outlined.
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the reports suggesting that a deal with the United States to end the conflict in West Asia has been finalised, stating that no final agreement has been reached so far, as reported by Iranian State Media Press TV.
US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, also rejected those reports, accusing the Islamic Republic of not acting in "good faith" while dealing with the US.
Trump claimed that Iran had misrepresented the contents of the proposed deal and criticised the country's leadership for what he described as dishonourable conduct.
He further alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident "totally unacceptable."
"The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing. What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth," Trump said in its post.
"Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. AMAZING! Also, their totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together, and FAST!" he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's classic media circus – both Iran and the US playing games with leaks and denials. I just hope there's actual peace coming for West Asia. The human cost of these tensions affects everyone, including our Indian brothers and sisters who work and travel in the region.
Iran's call for media restraint is reasonable – we've seen how speculative reporting can escalate tensions unnecessarily. But Trump's claim about Iran attacking Indian ships needs serious investigation. Three Indian seafarers dead? That's not just politics, that's lives lost. Our government must demand transparency. 🙏
The whole situation reminds me of a Bollywood drama – everyone leaking, denying, and pointing fingers. But the reality is serious: if the Strait of Hormuz closes, oil prices will skyrocket and hurt Indian consumers. I hope the diplomats in Delhi and Geneva are working behind the scenes for a stable outcome.
I'm tired of these superpowers using third countries as pawns. India has kept good relations with both Iran and the US, yet our sailors are caught in the crossfire. The attack on those ships is a violation of international law – whoever did it must be held accountable. Period.
I find it ironic that Trump accuses Iran of dishonourable conduct when his own record on truth-telling is questionable. But I agree with Iran's Foreign Minister – let the deal be finalised before journalists start spinning narratives. The 60-day ceasefire plan sounds promising if true.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.