The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential turning point after more than three months of conflict.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped mediate negotiations, announced the agreement after intensive talks, saying both sides had agreed to end military operations.
“Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif said.
An official signing ceremony is expected to take place in Switzerland on Friday, June 19.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement on social media, announcing he had authorised the end of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
“Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabad also confirmed the deal, saying an “immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations” would be announced.
The agreement is expected to begin a 60-day negotiation period covering issues including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, reconstruction and mechanisms to monitor commitments.
A senior Iranian official said the draft deal included a commitment from Iran not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons, while the US would release $US25 billion ($35.5 billion) in frozen Iranian assets.
The official said Iran would maintain the current nuclear status quo, including no uranium enrichment or expansion of nuclear facilities, until a final agreement is reached.
Source: ABC.
