WASHINGTON — The White House is discussing whether to provide Congress with the text of a proposed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, as lawmakers from both parties seek greater transparency regarding an agreement intended to extend a ceasefire and establish a framework for broader negotiations, according to U.S. officials and congressional leaders.
President Donald Trump said this week that he would be open to sending the agreement to Congress for review after lawmakers raised concerns that they had not been briefed on its contents. The memorandum, which has not yet been publicly released, is expected to address issues including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a process for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, according to administration officials and draft details reported by Reuters.
Speaking on Monday, Vice President JD Vance said the administration hoped the text of the agreement could be released publicly within days while technical discussions continued. “Our expectation is that the Strait is going to be opened in a toll-free way for the long-term,” Vance said in an interview cited by Reuters. He added that negotiations on implementation details were ongoing.
Congressional leaders have requested classified and public briefings on the agreement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have said lawmakers should have access to the text before any sanctions-related measures are implemented. Several Republican lawmakers have also expressed caution, saying they would not support the arrangement until they have reviewed its provisions.
The administration has provided limited information publicly about the memorandum. Trump said during the Group of Seven summit that he had not initially considered congressional review but would be willing to submit the document to lawmakers. According to Reuters, the White House has not yet formally transmitted the agreement to Congress.
Questions have also emerged regarding draft versions of the agreement that have circulated publicly. White House officials have disputed the accuracy of some reported texts, while maintaining that negotiations and preparations for a formal signing are continuing. Details remain unclear regarding which version, if any, reflects the final document under consideration.
The proposed memorandum follows months of conflict between the United States and Iran and is intended to create a temporary framework for negotiations toward a broader settlement. Officials from both countries have said additional talks would be required before any comprehensive agreement is reached.
As of Wednesday, administration officials were continuing discussions over the timing of a public release and a possible submission to Congress. No final decision had been announced, and the text of the agreement had not yet been made public.
