Iran is still studying the text of a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. and has not yet sent a response [1].
The delay in Tehran's response highlights the fragility of diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations between the two nations. Any formal agreement could shift the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, provided both sides can overcome deep-seated mistrust.
A source close to the Iranian negotiation delegation said the document remains under review in Tehran [1]. This indicates that the Iranian government is analyzing the terms of the American proposal before committing to a formal position.
According to the same source, a lack of trust in the record of Washington regarding the honoring of agreements is driving Iran to adopt a tougher negotiating stance [2]. Iranian officials are seeking concrete and tangible gains to ensure that any new deal is not unilaterally discarded by the U.S. in the future.
Further reports citing the Tasnim agency confirmed that Iran has not yet provided an official response to the most recent U.S. proposal [3]. The prolonged silence from Tehran suggests that the current draft may not yet meet the minimum requirements for Iranian approval.
Negotiators in Tehran are balancing the desire for sanctions relief against the risk of entering another agreement that could be voided by a change in U.S. administration. The source said the lack of trust remains the primary hurdle in the current phase of discussions [2].
“The text of the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding is still being studied in Tehran”
The continued delay in Tehran's response underscores a fundamental deadlock in U.S.-Iran diplomacy: the 'trust gap.' Because Iran views previous U.S. commitments as unreliable, it is shifting its strategy from general diplomatic agreements toward demanding verifiable, tangible guarantees. This approach increases the likelihood of a stalemate unless the U.S. offers concessions that are structurally insulated from future political shifts in Washington.
