With promises of massive investments and understandings that may redefine the relationship between Washington and Tehran, attention is drawn to Switzerland, where an agreement is expected to be signed, paving the way for final negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. This occurs amidst Israeli reservations and obscurities surrounding certain agreement clauses.
A source informed Reuters of a $300 billion special fund aimed at spurring investment in Iran, noting that more than half of this amount has already been allocated.
The source, requesting anonymity as the plan is yet to be announced, mentioned the fund aims to provide both parties with an 'economic incentive to reach a final agreement' following a provisional deal expected to be signed in Geneva next Friday.
Investment Fund
The source explained that the new fund is a 'special investment mechanism, not a reconstruction program or compensations,' confirming 'it will not include any governmental funds or grants.'
The source indicated that pledged investments include energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation sectors, with commitments exceeding $150 billion across five regions.
An Iranian senior source told Reuters that Tehran initially sought $400 billion as war damage compensation from the U.S., but Washington refused, leading to the creation of the 'Reconstruction and Development Fund.'
The investment fund is completely separate from parallel negotiating routes regarding lifting U.S. sanctions and releasing Iran's frozen sovereign assets abroad, describing them as 'separate financial mechanisms with different objectives and timelines.'
Meanwhile, a White House spokeswoman referred to a CBS interview with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, where he said Iran might access a $300 billion fund if it commits to a deal with Washington, which includes dismantling its nuclear program and surrendering enriched material stockpiles while accepting a strict inspection system.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing informed sources, that the U.S. will allow Iran to immediately begin selling oil and fuel under a memorandum of understanding reached by both sides.
The sources mentioned the sanctions waiver on oil sales will take effect once the agreement is signed this week and will include essential services to facilitate those sales, such as banking, transportation, and insurance.
Cease 'Hostile Acts'
Israel's Channel 12 revealed that the initial memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran includes mutual commitments to cease 'hostile acts' between the two parties and their allies, including the Lebanese arena, with an Iranian assurance not to develop or possess nuclear weapons.
The memorandum also stipulates deferring the decision on the enriched uranium stockpile issue to final agreement negotiations, with Iran committing to maintaining the status quo in its nuclear program during the negotiation period.
The understandings include lifting the naval blockade and Washington refraining from imposing new sanctions or increasing military forces during negotiations, in exchange for Iran ensuring the security and freedom of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
According to the channel, the U.S. pledged to release Iranian frozen assets once the memorandum is implemented, granting temporary sanctions exemptions allowing Tehran to sell oil during negotiations. The final agreement may involve lifting all U.S. sanctions and withdrawing American troops within 30 days of its enactment.
The channel highlighted that the memorandum serves as an initial framework for U.S.-Iran understanding, with upcoming negotiations needing to resolve more complex issues, primarily uranium enrichment and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavre confirmed the need to de-escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, urging both parties to refrain from military actions threatening stability on the Israel-Lebanon border.
In a statement to Sky News Arabia, the spokesman emphasized that Hezbollah must cease its attacks on Israel and disarm, considering this step essential for enhancing security and stability in Lebanon and the region.
The spokesman disclosed that the agreement between the U.S. and Iran includes Lebanon, according to Pakistan’s announcement, indicating ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions involve clauses or arrangements linked to the Lebanese arena.
U.S. Denies Israeli Request
The U.S. has denied an Israeli request to review the memorandum of understanding expected to be signed between Washington and Tehran in Switzerland on Friday, according to Israel's Channel 12.
The channel noted that Israel remains unaware of the complete details of the impending agreement, pointing out that the U.S. refusal withholds the final understandings from Israeli officials before signing.
Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported Israeli concerns about Washington’s agreement with Tehran, ending over three months of conflict.
The newspaper, citing an informed source, highlighted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s struggle to arrange an urgent meeting with President Donald Trump to resolve 'conflicting issues' in the agreement.
The ambiguity in Israel worsened due to unclear agreement clauses, specifically those Trump approved after electronic signing and before the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
Switzerland Announces Signing Location and Time
Switzerland revealed Tuesday the venue and timing for the signing of the agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry informed Agence France-Presse that the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday at a luxury hotel atop Bürgenstock Mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry noted, 'This centrally located place in Switzerland is difficult to access and thus easy to secure, proposed by Pakistani and Qatari intermediaries, along with the U.S. and Iran.'
Trump Press Conference
Trump announced Tuesday his intention to hold a press conference to read the memorandum of understanding with Iran 'word by word,' ensuring media accurately and fairly cover its content.
Trump explained, 'I won't just publish it, but may hold a press conference and read it to you, word by word, so the media covers it accurately as it is a highly significant document.'
In comparing it to the nuclear agreement by former President Barack Obama’s administration, Trump claimed that 'The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was the worst deal, paving the way for nuclear armament,' considering his administration's deal with Iran as 'a wall against nuclear armament.'
He continued, 'Unlike Obama, who could have destroyed the Middle East through a bad nuclear deal, my agreement forms a barrier preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.'
Previously, Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance signed an electronic agreement with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, preparing for a 60-day term of negotiations aiming to reach a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
Trump announced Sunday night the completion of the agreement with Iran, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the American blockade on Iranian ports immediately.
In parallel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Tuesday that Iran and the U.S. will start a new round of negotiations in Switzerland on Friday to reach a final agreement following the interim agreement's official implementation.