The United States and Iran have announced a deal aimed at ending hostilities across the Middle East, including the conflict in Lebanon, while also paving the way for the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, major questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
Officials from Washington and Islamabad said the agreement is expected to be formally signed on Friday in Switzerland, marking what could be a significant step toward ending months of fighting that have claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global energy supplies.
Although the full terms have not been released, US President Donald Trump indicated that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for global oil transport — would reopen after the signing ceremony.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Sunday via social media as he celebrated his 80th birthday, adding, “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Shortly after, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed on state television that the agreement effectively ends the war immediately, while noting that further negotiations will be held within two months to work toward a final settlement.
Earlier tensions nearly disrupted the breakthrough after Tehran vowed retaliation over an Israeli strike targeting Hezbollah in the suburbs of Beirut.
However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later announced that both sides had agreed to halt military operations “immediately and permanently on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” thanking Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their mediation efforts.
Details Of Agreement Still Unclear
Despite the announcement, key details of the deal remain uncertain following weeks of tense negotiations and repeated warnings from Trump about renewed conflict if Iran failed to agree.
Iranian media outlet Mehr reported that the United States would unfreeze around $12 billion in Iranian assets ahead of talks, and cited a 14-point memorandum allegedly including the release of up to $24 billion during a 60-day negotiation period following the signing.
The White House has not yet commented on these claims, while discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme remain highly sensitive, including debates over limiting uranium enrichment for up to 20 years.
Trump told the New York Times that negotiations are still ongoing regarding a possible 15-year suspension of enrichment, stressing he preferred not to negotiate through the media.
The announcement was widely welcomed internationally. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described it as a “critical step” toward peace in the region.
European countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy also expressed readiness to ease sanctions and work with the US, Iran, and regional partners to secure a lasting diplomatic solution.
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Markets responded positively, with oil prices dropping more than 4% in Tokyo and Japan’s Nikkei index rising by 3%.
US officials said reopening the Strait of Hormuz could help reduce global energy costs, ease inflation pressures, and stabilise supply chains worldwide.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, said the agreement could deliver long-term economic benefits, noting plans for stability in global energy markets.
Regional Tensions Persist
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, uncertainty remains after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs threatened to derail talks. Trump criticised Israel’s actions in an interview with Axios, expressing anger over the timing of the strike.
Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange hostilities since the broader conflict escalated, with Iran insisting that any agreement must also address fighting in Lebanon.