US President Donald Trump has said that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia has already been signed by the United States and Iran, while suggesting that Tehran may not receive sanctions relief despite earlier indications from members of his administration.
Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 venue in Evian-les-Bains in the French Alps on Monday, Trump was asked whetherthe agreementincluded sanctions relief for Iran. "No, it doesn't," he replied.
Trump indicated that any future benefits for Iran would depend on its conduct under the agreement. "It's really a behavioural thing. If they do what they're supposed to do, that starts taking effect," he said.
His comments appeared to contrast with earlier suggestions from White House officials that Iran could potentially gain access to economic benefits under a broader agreement.
The US President also referred to the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying Washington was seeking ways to resolve the situation.
Trump said the United States wanted to see whether it could "straight out" the conflict. The remarks came amid continuing uncertainty over how the proposed US-Iran agreement would affect regional disputes involving Iran-backed groups.
Trump described the agreement as a significant step towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass. "The deal's all signed," he said.
The reopening of the strait is expected to ease disruption caused by a blockade that has affected Gulf energy exports and contributed to volatility in global markets.
The full text of the memorandum has not yet been released. Asked when the document would be made public, Trump said it would likely be published after the formal signing ceremony scheduled to take place in Geneva on Friday. "Probably pretty soon. I would say sometime after Friday... I think sometime in the very near future," he told reporters.
The agreement has prompted calls from opposition lawmakers for greater transparency.
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