Singapore has expressed its strong welcome for the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the United States and Iran. This pivotal agreement aims to cease all military operations across the Middle East and establish a framework for future negotiations on unresolved issues, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Thursday (June 18).
The deal, inked on Wednesday by US President Donald Trump and Iran’s president, is designed to bring an end to the protracted conflict in the Middle East, initiating a broader 60-day negotiation period. The MFA lauded the crucial efforts of the mediating nations, particularly Pakistan and Qatar, for their role in achieving this breakthrough.
“A resolution of the outstanding issues in accordance with international law will create the necessary conditions for lasting peace, security, and stability in the region,” the MFA stated, emphasizing the potential for enduring regional calm.
Furthermore, Singapore’s MFA highlighted its approval of the MOU’s commitment to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is indispensable for international navigation and serves as a critical artery for global maritime trade. “We urge all parties to uphold their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law with respect to safe and unimpeded transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect the safety and well-being of seafarers and ships in the region,” the ministry added, stressing the importance of upholding international maritime laws.
**Details of the Agreement:**
Dubbed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran defers many complex issues, including the winding down of Iran’s nuclear program, until a comprehensive final deal is achieved. The immediate two-month negotiation phase commences with the highly anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to terms disclosed by US officials, Iran will undertake to dilute its enriched uranium stockpiles, potentially through “down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA,” the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Down-blending involves mixing enriched uranium, which can be refined for atomic bombs, with depleted uranium to reduce its radioactivity.
The agreement also stipulates an end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Washington has committed to immediately waiving oil sanctions that have significantly impacted Iran’s economy. Moreover, upon reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, the US will facilitate the release of a substantial US$300 billion reconstruction fund, backed by regional nations.
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