Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. to end hostilities could be realized within a few days [1].
The potential agreement represents a significant attempt to halt active conflict between the two nations. By decoupling immediate cease-fire terms from long-term nuclear disputes, the parties aim to stabilize regional security before tackling more complex diplomatic hurdles.
During an interview with JNN on Iranian state television on May 12, 2026 [2], Amir-Abdollahian said that if the agreement is reached, it would be signed remotely [2]. He said that the memorandum is structured in two distinct stages. The first stage focuses on achieving a cease-fire to end hostilities, while the nuclear issue will be addressed during the second stage [1].
The finalization of the deal remains pending the endorsement of the Supreme National Security Council [3]. Amir-Abdollahian said the possibility of the deal being realized within a few days exists [2].
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the logistics of the agreement. Some U.S. media outlets reported that a signing ceremony could take place on May 14 in Geneva, Switzerland. However, the Iranian government spokesperson said during the JNN interview that the information regarding a May 14 ceremony in Geneva is incorrect [3].
This remote signing approach suggests a desire to avoid the political optics or security risks associated with a high-profile in-person summit. The two-step framework allows both governments to claim a victory in ending immediate violence without immediately conceding on the highly contentious nuclear parameters that have stalled diplomacy for years.
“A memorandum of understanding with the United States to end hostilities could be realised within a few days”
The proposed two-stage memorandum reflects a strategic shift toward incremental diplomacy. By prioritizing a cease-fire over the nuclear deadlock, Iran and the U.S. are attempting to lower the immediate risk of escalation. If successful, this creates a 'cooling-off' period that may provide the necessary political cover for both administrations to negotiate the more volatile nuclear terms without the pressure of active hostilities.
