Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, 12 June that Tehran is closer than ever to finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, as high-stakes nuclear negotiations between the two countries approach a critical juncture. The remarks come a day after US President Donald Trump declared that Iran had approved a framework agreement that would permanently bar it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Araghchi's Statement on the MoU

In a post on X, Foreign Minister Araghchi wrote: 'The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content.' He added: 'In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course.'

The reference to the 'Islamabad MoU' suggests the framework was substantially shaped during diplomatic engagements held in Islamabad, though Tehran has not yet disclosed the full terms. Araghchi's appeal for media restraint signals that the deal remains sensitive and could still be disrupted before formal signing.

Trump Declares a 'Great Settlement'

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, President Trump described the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough, saying negotiations had entered their final stage and that documents were being prepared. 'We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalisation of documents, which should get done over the next few days,' Trump said. 'We have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, which was the whole purpose of what we had to go through to get this.'

Trump's characterisation of the agreement as a 'settlement of the war' is notable — it implies the recent period of hostilities and maximum-pressure diplomacy has formally wound down, at least from Washington's perspective. The White House has not yet released the draft text of the agreement.

Netanyahu Draws a Red Line

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement posted on X earlier on Friday, vowed that Iran would not acquire nuclear weapons for as long as he remains in office. 'As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel — Iran will not have nuclear weapons. There is full agreement between me and President Trump on this issue,' Netanyahu wrote. 'For over 30 years, I have been at the forefront of the international campaign against Iran's nuclear programme.'

Netanyahu further stated: 'Had it not been for this campaign, Iran would long ago have had atomic bombs to destroy Israel. Iran is working to destroy the Jewish state, and I dedicate my life to preventing them from doing so. As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, this will not happen.' His statement, coming just hours after Trump's announcement, underscores that Israel is closely monitoring the deal's contours and insists on zero tolerance for Iranian nuclear capability — regardless of what any agreement stipulates.

What Happens Next

Trump indicated that formal documentation could be completed within 'a few days', raising the prospect of a formal signing ceremony in the near term. However, Araghchi's insistence on withholding details until finalisation suggests the two sides may still be negotiating specifics. This comes amid broader geopolitical tension, with Israel positioning itself as a guarantor against any deal that falls short of a complete Iranian nuclear rollback. The international community, including Europe and regional powers, will be watching the final text closely for verification and enforcement mechanisms.