Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BumRushDaShow

(173,233 posts)
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 06:40 AM Wednesday

US officials downplay text of the Iran agreement, saying it doesn't account for back-channel commitments

Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Jun 16, 2026, 6:50 PM ET


US negotiators are working to quickly release the text of the agreement between Washington and Tehran, even as they downplay the significance of the specific language in the document, US officials told CNN.

The officials described the text of the agreement as incredibly vague, mainly intended to create a more favorable environment for the highly technical, in-person talks to come. They added that the framework is aimed at providing Iran the ability to sell it politically to their internal audience.

Additionally, the officials said that the text of the memorandum of understanding — which Vice President JD Vance told CNN Monday is one-and-a-half pages long — didn’t reflect critical back-channel commitments Iran has made to the US, which they argued gave them more confidence in signing on to the arrangement.

“People shouldn’t read too much into the language of the MOU,” one of the officials said, describing the agreement as a “political document.”

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/16/politics/iran-agreement-text-trump



“People shouldn’t read too much into the language of the MOU,” one of the officials said, describing the agreement as a “political document.”


Meaning it's non-existent.
40 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
US officials downplay text of the Iran agreement, saying it doesn't account for back-channel commitments (Original Post) BumRushDaShow Wednesday OP
Pay-offs for the fat orange imbecile wolfie001 Wednesday #1
I'm pretty sure a few countries in the Middle East are very uneasy................ Lovie777 Wednesday #2
I mean, they're on the hook for $300 billion and have a full-fledged economic competitor Prairie Gates Wednesday #12
"The framework is aimed at providing Iran the ability to sell it politically to their internal audience." Really? sop Wednesday #3
More like Trump is trying to sell it to his internal audience. Baitball Blogger Wednesday #5
Projection. They're trying to spin it for people here. ananda Wednesday #9
Whipping our butts will not be hard to sell to the Iranian public. mahina Wednesday #40
Back channel commitments. Baitball Blogger Wednesday #4
.... yardwork Wednesday #6
So, all that for stock options? OldBaldy1701E Wednesday #7
" aimed at providing Iran the ability to sell it politically" Strelnikov_ Wednesday #8
It's giving secret girlfriend in NIagara Falls Prairie Gates Wednesday #10
In my honest opinion, Mtnmama Wednesday #11
I.O.W.s The agreement gives Iran everything it wanted and 300 billion in reparations for Trump's war ... Botany Wednesday #13
It is not "reparations". It is a "private investment fund". AloeVera Wednesday #20
I might be wrong but @ the end of day the U.S. taxpayers will be on the hook for paying for Trump's war. Botany Wednesday #21
Of course they are. One of the many, many reasons to not rush into an unnecessary, trumped-up war of choice. AloeVera Wednesday #25
Another worthless document from the dumpie administration. KS Toronado Wednesday #14
Back channel commitments?All that matters is what is actually signed,and with Trump,half the time even that won't matter thesquanderer Wednesday #15
Everything Trump for 10+ years has gotten us to this point where NoMoreRepugs Wednesday #16
Backchannel commitments for what? The rebuilding business deals that Trump wants the bribe money to be spent on? ChicagoTeamster Wednesday #17
Maybe they're trying to figure out ways to WestMichRad Wednesday #26
Which is why they wanted to delay releasing the text until at least Friday.. SamuelAdams Wednesday #18
It was a birthday party favor for the man-child... Hugin Wednesday #19
Ah, Yessss; The Old "Back-Channel Commitments" Trick..... ColoringFool Wednesday #22
A "political document" only existing as a birthday present for the loser in the white house. travelingthrulife Wednesday #23
$300,000,000,000 is still $300,000,000,000. paulkienitz Wednesday #24
Per "back-channel agreements" it is probably 500 billion (classified for purposes of National Security) pat_k Wednesday #32
Trump and his war-mongering assholes are desperate agingdem Wednesday #27
I'm surprised they're not communicating in "pig latin". Buddyzbuddy Wednesday #28
Maybe Dotard tore up the original agreement because he didn't know about its maxsolomon Wednesday #29
TACO !! republianmushroom Wednesday #30
Of course, any back-channel agreements are WORSE. pat_k Wednesday #31
Ooh backchannel commitments Johnny2X2X Wednesday #33
They're just words. Nothing to see here. Scalded Nun Wednesday #34
Translation: the memorandum isn't worth the paper it's printed on. patphil Wednesday #35
Give me a break. City Lights Wednesday #36
LOL! Did Dean Wormer put Iran on double-secret probation? Mysterian Wednesday #37
Is a back channel agreement , one that goes straight up my ass? 3Hotdogs Wednesday #38
There is an essential rule of law. TomSlick Wednesday #39

Prairie Gates

(8,631 posts)
12. I mean, they're on the hook for $300 billion and have a full-fledged economic competitor
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:12 AM
Wednesday

after sanctions relief, so, yeah, I'd say they're probably not thrilled.

How did the US get Treaty of Versialled in reverse?



sop

(19,751 posts)
3. "The framework is aimed at providing Iran the ability to sell it politically to their internal audience." Really?
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 07:24 AM
Wednesday

They're saying Iran's leaders are worried about selling this agreement politically to their internal audience, but didn't Trump tell us Iran's leaders are a bunch of murderous thugs who won't allow political protests, that Iran isn't a democracy, and it doesn't allow any internal political opposition? It seems the only one worried about selling this agreement politically to an internal audience is Trump.

Baitball Blogger

(52,843 posts)
5. More like Trump is trying to sell it to his internal audience.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 07:33 AM
Wednesday

In the end, Iran thinks Trump is suffering from dementia, so who really thinks that they’re taking any of this seriously?

ananda

(35,730 posts)
9. Projection. They're trying to spin it for people here.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:01 AM
Wednesday

I figure anything they do or say will work on magats,
but that number is around 35%.

mahina

(20,808 posts)
40. Whipping our butts will not be hard to sell to the Iranian public.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:33 PM
Wednesday

In my opinion.

OldBaldy1701E

(11,747 posts)
7. So, all that for stock options?
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 07:41 AM
Wednesday

They make a world-wide disruption and then end up on their asses and having to pay Iran just to try and patch up what they ruined for everyone.

Why any other country would want to even be 'diplomatic' with this joke of a nation anymore is a surprise to me. It is obvious that we are becoming a real threat to the entire planet.

And, we don't seem too worried about what this nation had wrought. That is just as surprising.

Strelnikov_

(8,200 posts)
8. " aimed at providing Iran the ability to sell it politically"
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:00 AM
Wednesday

Translation: The document gives away the farm to Iran. The delay in releasing the document is because it is politically problematic, the propaganda needs to be jumpstarted before release.

Mtnmama

(174 posts)
11. In my honest opinion,
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:10 AM
Wednesday

Anyone who believes, supports this president, this administration is a fool. Anyone who thinks trump is a "leader" is a fool.

Botany

(78,159 posts)
13. I.O.W.s The agreement gives Iran everything it wanted and 300 billion in reparations for Trump's war ...
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:33 AM
Wednesday

.. but Vance is trying to sell the idea that secret back channel negotiations will make it all better.

AloeVera

(4,587 posts)
20. It is not "reparations". It is a "private investment fund".
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 09:38 AM
Wednesday

No U.S. government funds involved. Iran's request for reparations for the damage to infrastructure etc was rejected by the US.

Per Reuters.

https://www.aol.com/articles/iran-deal-includes-300-billion-175751000.html


DUBAI, June 16 (Reuters) - A $300 billion private fund designed to trigger investment into Iran is outlined in the U.S.-Iran framework agreement and more than half that sum has already been committed, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

The fund ‌is designed to give both sides an economic incentive to conclude a final deal to end the war, said the source, who spoke on condition of ‌anonymity because the plan has not yet been announced as Washington and Tehran prepare to sign on Friday.

The fund's existence has been previously reported but Reuters is revealing for the first time that more than half of ​the amount has already been committed and that it will be comprised entirely of private-sector funds.


It will work as well as the "Gaza Peace Plan" with a private JP Morgan account and people still living in tents with no water, sewage or hope.

Botany

(78,159 posts)
21. I might be wrong but @ the end of day the U.S. taxpayers will be on the hook for paying for Trump's war.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 09:56 AM
Wednesday

Not unless they are selling investments in Iranian oil or the fees Iran will be able to collect from
ships using the Strait of Hormuz which were not there prior to Trump’s war in order to deflect
attention from Epstein.

AloeVera

(4,587 posts)
25. Of course they are. One of the many, many reasons to not rush into an unnecessary, trumped-up war of choice.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 10:30 AM
Wednesday

But the military cost of inflicting all that destruction is separate from war reparations to the victim of an unjustified war. Iran has suffered huge losses to its infrastructure and economy. Why were 85,000 civilian structures, 600 schools and nearly 200 medical facilities destroyed or damaged? Water towers, oil refineries, power plants - the list goes on! It all means civilian suffering and increased poverty and deprivation. In a just world the war mongers should pay but we know that's not gonna happen. They destroy and then let others - the Gulf countries in this case because of course they will be asked - try to pick up the pieces.

Yes, the war will cost taxpayers hundreds of billions all told - half a TRILLION in increased funding for the military alone if Trump's request is approved - but none of it is going for reparations to Iran, which was my point.

thesquanderer

(13,161 posts)
15. Back channel commitments?All that matters is what is actually signed,and with Trump,half the time even that won't matter
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:36 AM
Wednesday

NoMoreRepugs

(12,295 posts)
16. Everything Trump for 10+ years has gotten us to this point where
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 08:59 AM
Wednesday

the entire World is watching - and the TrumpenFuhrer regime is about to be be exposed as the imbecilic know nothing pencil dicked fascists they are. Somehow their total failure addressing Covid was somewhat ignored. This “war” affects EVERYONE and furthermore IMO exposes all their shortcomings under blazing lights.

ChicagoTeamster

(1,439 posts)
17. Backchannel commitments for what? The rebuilding business deals that Trump wants the bribe money to be spent on?
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 09:28 AM
Wednesday

You know he'll probably either be taking bribes for that or give the contracts to political donors.

SamuelAdams

(319 posts)
18. Which is why they wanted to delay releasing the text until at least Friday..
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 09:33 AM
Wednesday

They know this will be embarrassing for them. Trump is so desperate to end the war he is willing to agree to anything as long as he can pretend he won. He'll pay Iran for vague assurances. If they develop a nuclear weapon in the next administration, he'll blame them and claim it never would have happened on his watch. All he cares about is saving face.

Hugin

(38,083 posts)
19. It was a birthday party favor for the man-child...
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 09:34 AM
Wednesday

To pretend that it was anything more is complicit and negligent.

ColoringFool

(1,357 posts)
22. Ah, Yessss; The Old "Back-Channel Commitments" Trick.....
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 10:06 AM
Wednesday

Must be like when Jared tried to get a "back channel" hotline to Russian big-wigs. The ones photographed in the Trump Tower elevator with the Trump Boys.

Explainer: Was Jared Kushner’s attempted ‘back-channel’ with Russia treasonous — or typical? | PBS News https://share.google/h0sVCfcmgRXyw9Oxg

travelingthrulife

(5,720 posts)
23. A "political document" only existing as a birthday present for the loser in the white house.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 10:11 AM
Wednesday

These people are so disgusting.

pat_k

(14,459 posts)
32. Per "back-channel agreements" it is probably 500 billion (classified for purposes of National Security)
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 12:36 PM
Wednesday

agingdem

(9,020 posts)
27. Trump and his war-mongering assholes are desperate
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 10:47 AM
Wednesday

to sell this total bend-over capitulation as a win for the narcoleptic shit-for-brains idiot…their problem: we can read…

Buddyzbuddy

(3,016 posts)
28. I'm surprised they're not communicating in "pig latin".
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 11:39 AM
Wednesday

You know, the super secret code that nobody else would ever understand.

The public just doesn't understand, we have the Iranians exactly where we want them. Behind us with our pants down.

Hey Thiel, say goodbye to your paid for Presidency. Your boy Vance has gotten this far and no more. Like everything else the Felon touches, your dream will now be part of his graveyard of failures.

I just wish my Country and the American people didn't have to become the punchline for Democrats to be right.

maxsolomon

(39,346 posts)
29. Maybe Dotard tore up the original agreement because he didn't know about its
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 11:48 AM
Wednesday

"back-channel commitments".

Or because he never read a single piece of it?

pat_k

(14,459 posts)
31. Of course, any back-channel agreements are WORSE.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 12:34 PM
Wednesday

Otherwise they wouldn't have to be made in the cover of dark.

Johnny2X2X

(24,565 posts)
33. Ooh backchannel commitments
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 01:13 PM
Wednesday

These are about as real as the health care plan we’ll see in 2 weeks.

patphil

(9,302 posts)
35. Translation: the memorandum isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 01:55 PM
Wednesday

Our own government officials don't think there is anything significant or binding in it.























Mysterian

(6,708 posts)
37. LOL! Did Dean Wormer put Iran on double-secret probation?
Wed Jun 17, 2026, 04:40 PM
Wednesday

These fools and liars would be comical were it not for the tragedy they cause.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»US officials downplay tex...