What Iran and US get from deal and why both could struggle to keep it

June 18, 2026

After more than 100 days of military conflict, the United States and Iran have reached a ceasefire agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding that both sides are portraying as a victory to their domestic audiences. The agreement establishes a 60-day negotiation framework addressing Iran's nuclear program while immediately halting military operations, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade, with promises of sanctions relief and a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. However, the most contentious issues regarding Iran's highly enriched uranium and nuclear infrastructure have been postponed rather than resolved, creating significant political risks for leaders on both sides.

Who is affected

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his government
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (Iran's parliament speaker and head of negotiating team)
US President Donald Trump and his administration
Vice-President JD Vance
Republican Party members and candidates facing November midterm elections
Iranian Revolutionary Guards
Iran's hardline political base and conservative media
American voters concerned about fuel prices and the economy
Israeli government and citizens (referenced regarding security concerns)
Regional proxy groups including Hezbollah
Commercial shipping interests using the Strait of Hormuz

What action is being taken

Military operations are being halted on all fronts, including Lebanon
The US is beginning to remove its naval blockade
The Strait of Hormuz is being reopened for safe commercial passage
The US is issuing waivers for Iranian oil exports
Frozen or restricted Iranian assets are being made available
60-day framework negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are underway
The US is working with regional partners on a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion

Why it matters

This agreement matters because it represents a critical juncture in preventing further military escalation between the United States and Iran while addressing the contentious issue of Iran's nuclear program. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has immediate global economic implications, particularly for oil prices that had been causing domestic political damage to the Trump administration. The deal's significance extends beyond the immediate ceasefire, as it demonstrates both sides' need to avoid the appearance of defeat while deferring the most difficult compromises on nuclear enrichment and infrastructure. The outcome will shape regional stability in the Middle East, influence US-Israel relations, affect the activities of Iranian proxy groups, and determine whether the international community can achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Additionally, the agreement's success or failure will have substantial political consequences for leadership on both sides, particularly with Republican midterm elections approaching and Iranian hardliners prepared to characterize any nuclear concessions as betrayal.

What's next

The following next steps are explicitly stated:
60 days of negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, specifically addressing the future of highly enriched uranium, the scale of enrichment industry, and rebuilding of damaged nuclear facilities
Continued work by the US towards easing sanctions on Iran
Development and pursuit of the reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran with regional partners
Republican candidates will face voters in November midterm elections

Read full article from source: BBC