The diplomatic and military dispute between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran is shifting to the realm of propaganda and information warfare. The Iranian state television (IRIB), recognized as the mouthpiece of the hardline factions within the Tehran regime, has published details of an alleged memorandum of understanding under negotiation with Washington. The document would stipulate the withdrawal of American military forces from the vicinity of Iran and the lifting of the blockade on Iranian ports.
According to the regime-controlled television, in exchange for these concessions, Tehran would commit to restoring the commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month of signing the pact. Moreover, the management and maritime traffic routes would be exclusively controlled by Iran in cooperation with Oman, with military vessels being completely excluded from this arrangement.
Moscow and Islamabad also seem to play a role in this sensitive case, with negotiations being conducted through Pakistani mediation, the memorandum being designed as a roadmap for future discussions on lifting international sanctions and the Iranian nuclear program. The state press in Tehran added that the document is not finalized and that no measure will be adopted without a “tangible verification”. If an agreement is initialed within 60 days, the memorandum is expected to be integrated into a binding resolution of the UN Security Council.
The harsh reaction of the White House: “Facts matter”
The response from Washington was immediate and categorical, dismantling Tehran’s media construct even before a crucial governmental meeting convened by Donald Trump. Through the official Rapid Response account on the X platform, the White House labeled the document as blatant disinformation.
“This report from the Iranian-controlled press is not true, and the memorandum they ‘published’ is a total fabrication. No one should believe what the Iranian state media propagates. FACTS MATTER,” is stated in the official American statement.
However, analysts note that certain technical details from the text presented by Tehran partially converge with the parameters discussed by American officials behind the scenes. Washington had previously suggested that President Donald Trump would be willing to lift the naval blockade, provided that Iran guarantees the free and unrestricted transit of commercial ships through the strait.
“As President Trump has stated, the negotiations are progressing optimally, and his red lines remain clear. President Trump will only conclude a deal that is advantageous for the American people, which must ensure that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon”, specified Olivia Wales, the spokesperson for the White House.
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