U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagass [AP=Yonhap News]

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagass warned on the 14th (local time) that Iran would face war again if it did not comply with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war that it is expected to conclude with the United States soon.

Appearing on CBS broadcast that day, Secretary Hagass said, "If Iran does not want to comply with this, they will have to deal with the Department of War again," adding, "We do not want to do that, and President Trump does not want to do that either."

He asserted, "They (Iran) know what the deadly effects were on their military, air defense system, and (military) capabilities," and "They do not want to go through that again."

He expressed the perception that the U.S. military's military superiority was "part of the reason Iran came to the negotiating table" and that the two recent airstrikes against Iran played an important role in advancing the conclusion of the MOU on ending the war.

Secretary Hagass stated that if the MOU is finally concluded and an agreement on Iran's denuclearization is reached, "We will cooperate with Iran to remove that material (enriched uranium in Iran), and Iran may dilute that material," adding, "However, Iran will not possess that material."

This is interpreted to mean that the 440 kg of 60% enriched uranium, known to remain in Iran's underground facilities, will be diluted within Iran and then exported abroad.

Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official, that Iran has promised to abandon nuclear weapons and immediately open the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has agreed to lift its maritime blockade against Iran, return large amounts of frozen assets, and grant a waiver on oil sanctions.

The report also stated that the United States agreed to dilute the enriched uranium within Iranian territory, and the specific procedures and methods for dilution will be discussed during the upcoming 60-day negotiation period.

Secretary Hagass explained, "We will be involved, physically or in other ways, to ensure that (the dilution and export of enriched uranium) is carried out," adding, "The U.S. military may take on that role, or there are other options."

Secretary Hagass stated that the MOU "stipulates that Iran will never have nuclear weapons and will not pursue, purchase, or possess nuclear weapons."

He added, "Our military posture will be at the level necessary to force them to actually implement what they have said they will do during the 60 days under this MOU."

He emphasized that media reports claiming Iran would receive large amounts of frozen assets and sanctions would be lifted immediately upon signing the MOU were false, stating, "This agreement is based on the fulfillment of achievements. No funds will be released until Iran fulfills its promises."