How to read the US-Iran draft agreement: Big commitments from Washington, not from Tehran

How to Read the US-Iran Agreement: Washington’s Commitments Outweigh Tehran’s

How to read the US Iran – How to read the US-Iran agreement is key to understanding the recent diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations. Senior CNN global affairs analyst Brett McGurk, who has served in national security roles under multiple presidents, provides a detailed breakdown of the draft deal. While the White House may still make adjustments before finalizing it, the current version reveals a clear imbalance in obligations: Washington is making significant concessions, while Tehran appears to secure more favorable terms with fewer responsibilities.

The Two-Phase Structure

The agreement is divided into two phases, a framework designed to address both immediate and long-term concerns. Phase 1 kicks off as soon as the deal is signed, aiming to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Phase 2 extends negotiations toward a definitive agreement over the next 60 days, with the possibility of further extensions. McGurk describes this setup as a strategic maneuver, allowing the U.S. to demonstrate goodwill while giving Iran time to adapt to the terms.

Phase 1 focuses on de-escalation, with the U.S. and Iran agreeing to lift naval restrictions and clear maritime obstacles. This immediate action is expected to restore normal shipping operations, a critical step for stabilizing global energy markets. However, the second phase introduces broader goals, such as addressing sanctions and frozen assets. The division of labor suggests that the U.S. is willing to take the lead in meeting Iran’s demands, while Tehran’s role is more limited in the short term.

Key Provisions and Immediate Gains

McGurk highlights that the core of the agreement lies in Articles 4, 5, 10, and 11, which are set to take effect right away. These articles outline the U.S. lifting its naval blockade and Iran clearing obstacles within 30 days. This measure ensures that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz return to pre-war levels, easing tensions and securing energy flow. The deal also includes a sanctions waiver, which allows Iran to sell its oil at market prices, significantly boosting its economy.

“The essence of this memorandum of understanding is that Iran gets a lot now, including tens of billions of dollars, in exchange for not shooting at ships in the Strait of Hormuz,”

McGurk explains. The immediate financial relief, such as the removal of restrictions on oil exports, mirrors the terms of the 2023 hostage deal but expands on it. This section effectively returns Iran to the economic standing it had under the Obama-era JCPOA, though with some new conditions. The result is a deal that rewards Iran for its restraint while obligating Washington to deliver more substantial outcomes.

Article 10 grants the U.S. the power to issue waivers for Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products, and derivatives. This provision ensures that Iran can export its energy resources without facing penalties, generating up to $60 to $70 billion annually. Such a level of economic support underscores Washington’s commitment to the agreement, as it reverses years of sanctions and pressures on Iran’s oil sector.

Article 11 deals with frozen assets, allowing the U.S. to release them “in light of the progress of negotiations toward a final agreement.” This clause creates a conditional framework, where Iran’s financial gains are tied to the success of future talks. While the provision is already being implemented, it highlights the dependency of the U.S. on Iran’s cooperation, even as the latter benefits from immediate financial relief. McGurk notes that this article marks a shift from prior agreements, where funds were directed toward specific uses like humanitarian aid.