Protests erupted in parts of Iran following the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, according to reports from state-linked and international media. Demonstrators reportedly gathered in multiple locations, voicing opposition to the agreement and criticising senior Iranian officials involved in the negotiations, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, whom some protesters labelled as “compromisers.”

The reported deal, which has not yet been fully detailed publicly, is expected to be formally signed in Geneva later this week, according to statements attributed to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that the agreement would include provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, and suggested that maritime traffic had already begun to resume. He also stated that vessels carrying oil were moving through the waterway and indicated that the United States did not anticipate needing significant assistance to maintain its openness.

Iranian officials, however, have expressed continued scepticism over the terms of any potential agreement. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that a “final agreement” could take up to two months to finalise, with ongoing discussions expected to address Iran’s nuclear programme as well as the release of approximately $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Despite diplomatic engagement, Tehran has repeatedly voiced concerns about trust and verification mechanisms in its dealings with Washington.

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The developments have also highlighted growing differences between the United States and Israel over the emerging diplomatic framework. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances, regardless of any negotiated agreement. He also stated that Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria would continue “for as long as necessary,” framing Israel’s actions as part of a broader regional security strategy.

Netanyahu further argued that recent military campaigns had prevented what he described as the threat of “nuclear annihilation” facing Israel. His comments reflect ongoing Israeli concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, even as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear to be advancing. The divergence in positions underscores continuing geopolitical tensions despite reported progress in negotiations.

As discussions continue, key elements of the agreement—including enforcement mechanisms, verification procedures, and long-term compliance guarantees—remain unclear. Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the reported understanding between the US and Iran can translate into a durable and enforceable diplomatic framework.

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