The Iranians Suspect That The Idea Of The Deal Came With Incentives, There Was Money Attached -Bowen

International Editor Jeremy Bowen has suggested that Iranian leaders are deeply skeptical of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached with the United States, believing it may have been intended to reduce Tehran’s strategic leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during BBC’s Iran War Today on Friday, July 17, 2026, Bowen said the agreement offered Iran several incentives, including temporary sanctions relief and the possibility of unfreezing Iranian assets, but argued that Tehran views those offers with suspicion.

“The Iranians, I think, suspect that the whole idea of the MOU, which came laden with incentives like lifting or waiving sanctions for the time being, and possibly unfreezing assets—there was money attached to it,” Bowen said.

According to Bowen, Washington appeared to believe that the economic incentives would be enough to keep Iran engaged in negotiations and encourage progress toward resolving broader disputes.

However, he said Iran places greater importance on maintaining control over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, viewing it as a key source of strategic influence.

Bowen added that Iranian leaders fear the United States could use the memorandum as a means of weakening or ultimately removing that leverage, a concern he said helps explain Tehran’s uncompromising stance in the negotiations.

His remarks came as renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran have raised further doubts about the future of the memorandum and prospects for a return to substantive negotiations……See More