Does Trump have to submit the Iran memorandum of understanding to Congress?

President Trump has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to end a war, electronically signed near Paris on Wednesday, June 18, 2026. The 14-point framework commits Iran to not procure or develop nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief, a $300 billion reconstruction plan, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts caution that it is too early to compare this MOU to the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement, as the MOU focuses on a ceasefire and leaves Iran's nuclear program details for future negotiation. The MOU's commitment on nuclear weapons is seen by some as preserving the status quo, as intelligence agencies had previously concluded Iran was not actively developing them. The JCPOA, a multi-party agreement, had detailed measures for uranium enrichment and monitoring, unlike the current bilateral MOU.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran aims to address the conflict that began on February 28th. This deal differs from the 2015 JCPOA by focusing on a framework for 60 days of talks rather than a final agreement. Key areas examined include weapons, money, and ships. While the MoU reaffirms Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, it lacks specific details on enrichment levels and stockpile disposition, unlike the JCPOA's strict limitations. The new agreement also makes no mention of Iran's ballistic missiles, a point previously raised by President Trump. Regarding money, the MoU states the US will terminate all sanctions, a significant shift from the JCPOA's sanctions relief and asset unfreezing.

A handful of Senate Republicans have criticized an interim deal reached by the Trump administration with Iran to end a 110-day conflict. Senator Bill Cassidy called the agreement "the worst foreign policy blunder in decades," arguing it fails to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and makes concessions while 13 Americans are dead. The deal, which aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent a global depression, includes Iran's commitment to destroy its enriched uranium stockpile. While some Republicans, like Lindsey Graham, expressed initial concern but later found the deal potentially beneficial, others, such as Thom Tillis, are worried about a reported $300 billion fund for Iran. The memorandum of understanding gives both sides 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive final agreement.

A 2015 law, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA), is central to a debate over whether President Trump must submit a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran to Congress. The law requires congressional review and a potential vote of disapproval for any agreements related to Iran's nuclear program. Lawmakers and pro-Israel groups are citing INARA, arguing the MoU, which lifts sanctions and halts fighting, falls under its purview. While Trump has expressed openness to congressional review, his administration has not officially stated whether the MoU is subject to the law. Legal experts suggest INARA applies to the MoU and any future nuclear deal, though some argue the law hinders diplomacy.

Former President Barack Obama stated in an interview that the U.S. is "worse off" after a 15-week war with Iran, despite a recent ceasefire agreement signed by Donald Trump. Obama expressed happiness about the ceasefire and hopes it will hold, while also criticizing Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), which he believes led to Iran developing more nuclear capacity. Iran's chief negotiator indicated that future talks must respect Tehran's "red lines." The article also notes differing views on the economic impact of the agreement, with some expecting falling gas prices and others predicting a rise in oil prices.