Singapore Backs US-Iran Agreement But Online Scepticism Grows Over US "Win"

Singapore has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an important step towards de-escalation in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also urged all parties to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of vessels through the waterway.

This sentiment was echoed by some analysts, who argued that the agreement fell short of US's original strategic objectives, which included curbing Iran's ballistic missile programme and limiting its ability to support regional proxy groups and threaten US allies.

Tamara Henderson, South-east Asia economist at Bloomberg Economics, also cautioned against expecting an immediate recovery in fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the agreement. "There is a very low chance that the Strait

of Hormuz would revert to its pre-war state," she said.

The US and Iran signed a 14-point interim memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 17 June 2026, aimed at ending months of conflict and establishing a framework for broader peace negotiations,

The agreement includes an immediate halt to military operations and provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while also setting out a 60-day negotiation period to address more complex issues such as Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and regional security arrangements.

Described as a preliminary framework rather than a final peace deal, the MoU also includes provisions for sanctions relief for Iran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and outlines a phased easing of US measures, including its naval blockade, subject to compliance.

However, key disputes, particularly over Iran's nuclear capabilities and long-term sanctions, remain unresolved and will be negotiated in the coming weeks.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, original key US objectives included dismantling or strictly limiting Iran's nuclear programme, restricting its ballistic missile capabilities, and reducing Tehran's ability to project military pressure across the region.

As for Iran, its negotiating positions included the lifting or easing of US sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian overseas assets, an end to the US naval blockade and broader military pressure in the Gulf, as well as guarantees against future attacks or efforts aimed at regime change.

The escalation between the US and Iran in 2025-2026 stems from long-standing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, US sanctions, and regional security rivalries.

After the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Iran gradually expanded its nuclear activities while also strengthening its regional military influence. These developments contributed to rising friction.

By early 2026, the situation had intensified further, with military strikes, retaliatory actions, and disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Both sides accused each other of undermining regional security, while diplomatic efforts struggled to prevent further escalation.