President Donald Trump has signaled a major shift in U.S . policy by agreeing to let Iran retain portions of its civilian nuclear program in exchange for a cease‑fire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The move, outlined by a senior White House official, comes as both sides prepare for a possible signing ceremony in Geneva later this week.

Memorandum Allows Iran to Keep Civilian Power Plants

The draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) would let Iran maintain existing civilian nuclear power facilities, provided they cannot be repurposed for weapons development, a senior White House official told reporters.. The official likened the safeguard to the United Arab Emirates’ program, which “could not be turned into a bomb‑making operation.”

According to the source, the agreement also mandates the on‑site destruction of Iran’s current stockpile of nuclear material and its removal from the country, with the United States and China tasked with excavating deeply buried fissile material.

Hardliners in Tehran Back the Deal, Yet Details Remain Vague

Despite longstanding opposition from Iran’s hard‑line factions, the White House official said most of the Iranian government, including hardliners, are “on board” with the proposal. the official added that Iran would be “reintegrated into the world economy” if it complies, but warned that any move toward weapons‑grade enrichment would collapse the agreement.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the “final text” of the peace deal has been reached, and he described the moment as the closest the region has ever been to peace.

Geneva Signing Expected on Trump’s Birthday

Four U.S. Air Force C‑17 aircraft have already flown to Europe with equipment for Vice President JD Vance, who is slated to attend the signing ceremony in Geneva, according to Axios. Reuters cited a source who said the MOU could be signed as early as Sunday, coinciding with Trump’s birthday.

Trump told reporters that the documents are “in pretty final shape” and that a signing “should be done over the next few days.” He also dismissed leaked Iranian statements as “weak and pathetic,” emphasizing that the official terms differ from any public leaks.

Unclear Safeguards and Verification Mechanisms

The MOU does not specify the exact monitoring regime that will prevent Iran’s civilian sites from being converted into weapons facilities. While the United States expresses confidence that the civilian power plants pose limited risk,the lack of detailed verification steps leaves analysts questioning the durability of the pledge.

Open questions include how the on‑site destruction of nuclear material will be verified, what role the International Atomic Energy Agency will play, and whether the 60‑day cease‑fire period will be sufficient to iron out technical details among the U.S., Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.

Potential Regional Ripple Effects of Reopening Hormuz

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz would instantly lift the U.S. naval blockade that has choked Iranian shipping for months, restoring a critical artery for global oil flow. The move could also reshape security calculations for Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have long viewed Iranian nuclear ambitions as a strategic threat.

As the world watches the Geneva talks, the success or failure of this deal will likely set a precedent for how nuclear diplomacy can be leveraged to resolve broader regional conflicts.