Vice President Vance [AP=Yonhap News]The United States and Iran officially began implementing the ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 18th (local time).

While delegations from both countries were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on the 19th to initiate follow-up negotiations on Iran's denuclearization, the remote signing between the leaders of the two nations on the 17th may lead to a delay in the start of negotiations.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated at a White House press conference that day, "I would say that the 60-day negotiation period according to the ceasefire MOU with Iran officially began today."

Counting from today, the 60-day period extends to August 16th. The core of the MOU is that the U.S. and Iran have agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the maritime blockade against Iran, and for 60 days, they will engage in follow-up negotiations regarding Iran's denuclearization and the lifting of sanctions.

Vice President Vance announced that the U.S. Navy has lifted the maritime blockade against Iran in accordance with the ceasefire MOU. U.S. Central Command also announced the lifting of the maritime blockade against Iran and stated that U.S. warships will remain in the area to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Vice President Vance emphasized that 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight, aiming to highlight that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is proceeding towards normalization under the MOU.

Vice President Vance mentioned that negotiations with the Iranian delegation are planned for this weekend but could change, suggesting a possibility of a delayed start to the follow-up negotiations.

Initially, the U.S. delegation led by Vice President Vance and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on the 19th for the MOU signing ceremony and to commence follow-up negotiations. However, with the remote signing between the two countries' presidents occurring the day before, the signing ceremony has become uncertain. The New York Times (NYT), citing Iranian media, reported that the signing ceremony would not take place on the 19th.

Regarding the economic compensation to be provided to Iran, Vice President Vance reiterated his stance that it is "only possible when Iran fully complies (with its promises) and changes its behavior." He also emphasized again that not a single cent of U.S. funds will be involved in economic compensation to Iran.

He then reasserted the legitimacy of the MOU, stating that it is worth trying to see if Iran will change its behavior.

Vice President Vance urged Israel to respect the MOU and added that attacks on civilians in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, are unacceptable.

He stated, "Donald Trump is currently the only head of state friendly to Israel and the head of state of the world's superpower." He also told the Israeli ministers criticizing the MOU to "wake up and see reality."

This was a strong pressure tactic to urge Israel to refrain from criticizing the U.S., warning that Israel could endanger the MOU by bombing Beirut under the pretext of attacking the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Vice President Vance argued that the temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil does not provide new benefits to Iran. However, it has been pointed out that while sanctions caused Iran to sell oil cheaply to China, this lifting of sanctions allows Iran to sell oil at higher prices to various countries.

Vice President Vance countered criticisms that the MOU announcement process was chaotic, stating that the delay in releasing the MOU agreement was because Iran did not want it to be made public.

In the United States, there were strong calls for the MOU to be released after the electronic signing between the U.S. and Iran on the 14th, but the agreement was not made public. Since the agreement was released along with the remote signing between the U.S. and Iranian presidents the previous day, criticism that the agreement is favorable to Iran has intensified.