US and Iran Might Bring Forward Deal Signing to Accelerate Hormuz Reopening

The U.S., Iran, and international mediators are discussing advancing the signing of a memorandum of understanding to Wednesday instead of Friday.

A diplomat from a mediating country and a second source familiar with the talks confirmed to Axios the potential shift in timeline.

If the agreement is accelerated, the document would be signed electronically.

Provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz would take immediate effect, and the U.S. might officially release the text of the agreement.

The diplomatic source stated the primary objective of an earlier signing is to open the Strait of Hormuz before Friday.

Both Washington and Tehran reportedly agree on expediting this specific maritime issue.

Pressure and Publication

Political pressure on the White House to release the full text of the understanding could also be driving the accelerated timeline.

The second source, familiar with the discussions, stated that Iran explicitly demanded that the text remain unpublished until a formal signature is secured.

As of Wednesday morning, no final decision had been reached on altering the schedule. The White House declined to comment on the potential timeline shift.

Even if the electronic signing occurs earlier, scheduled in-person meetings will proceed on Friday in Switzerland.

U.S. Vice President Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf are slated to lead their respective delegations.

The two sides are expected to discuss launching formal negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program during the Swiss summit.

Conflicting Accounts on Prior Signatures

Disputes remain over whether an initial signing has already occurred.

A senior administration official previously told reporters that U.S. President Trump, Vance, and Ghalibaf electronically signed the deal on Sunday.

The diplomatic source rejected this claim, stating no such signing took place over the weekend.

However, the source familiar with the talks maintained that the Sunday signing occurred, making any Wednesday action a "second signing."

It remains unclear why multiple electronic signatures would be required.

Since Sunday, the White House has maintained that Iran's reopening of the strait and the simultaneous lifting of the U.S. blockade would only commence on Friday following a formal ceremony.

According to the diplomatic source, an earlier signing would significantly advance these operational changes.