US, Iran Seal Agreement to End Conflict, Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have announced a breakthrough agreement aimed at ending months of conflict across the Middle East, including hostilities linked to Lebanon, while paving the way for the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Officials from Washington and Islamabad disclosed that the agreement is scheduled to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, marking a significant step toward ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global energy markets.
Although key details of the accord remain undisclosed, United States President Donald Trump confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, would be reopened following the signing ceremony.
“The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday as he celebrated his 80th birthday.
“Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, later stated in a televised address that the agreement would bring an “immediate end” to the war between the two countries and initiate talks within two months aimed at securing a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
Earlier on Sunday, tensions appeared set to derail the peace process after Tehran threatened retaliation over an Israeli strike targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburbs. However, diplomatic efforts prevailed, culminating in an announcement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif said, while acknowledging the mediation roles played by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Uncertainty Over Key Provisions
Despite the announcement, questions remain regarding the substance of the agreement, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the United States would release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before the commencement of negotiations. The agency further cited a 14-point memorandum of understanding that reportedly provides for the release of an additional $24 billion in frozen assets during a 60-day negotiation period following the signing of the agreement.
The Trump administration has yet to comment on those reported provisions.
The issue of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme remains one of the most contentious aspects of the negotiations. The United States continues to push for restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities and clarity regarding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, much of which is believed to have been impacted by US military strikes last year.
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In an interview with The New York Times, Trump disclosed that discussions were ongoing over a potential suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities for up to 20 years. He indicated that a 15-year suspension could also be considered but declined to discuss the details publicly.
International Community Welcomes Agreement
The announcement drew widespread international support, with global leaders expressing hope that it could lead to a lasting resolution of regional conflicts.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the accord as a “critical step” toward restoring peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement expressing readiness to ease sanctions on Iran and work alongside the United States, Iran and regional stakeholders to achieve a durable diplomatic settlement.
Financial markets responded positively to the development. Oil prices fell by more than four per cent during Monday trading in Tokyo, while Japan’s Nikkei index surged by three per cent amid expectations of improved stability in global energy supplies.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz had significantly affected the global economy, contributing to higher fuel prices, inflationary pressures and disruptions in supply chains, including those critical to agricultural production.
US Vice President JD Vance said the agreement could deliver long-term economic benefits.
“What we’re going to be able to do is drive down the cost of energy, not just now but for the long term, and create a real engine of prosperity in the Middle East,” he told Fox News.
Vance added that he planned to attend the signing ceremony in Geneva and noted that Trump could also participate.
Israeli Strike Nearly Disrupts Process
The path to the agreement was marked by renewed tensions after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut threatened to undermine ongoing negotiations.
Trump reportedly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the operation, arguing that it risked delaying the peace accord.
According to US media reports, Trump expressed frustration over the timing of the strike during a phone conversation, describing it as a setback to diplomatic efforts.
The incident revived concerns about a broader regional escalation. Previous Israeli strikes in Beirut had triggered retaliatory missile attacks by Iran and subsequent Israeli military responses, placing fragile ceasefire arrangements under strain.
Tehran has consistently maintained that any comprehensive agreement to end the conflict must also address the parallel confrontation in Lebanon, where Israel has been conducting military operations against Hezbollah.
The planned signing of the accord in Switzerland is now being closely watched as a potential turning point in efforts to restore stability to the Middle East and secure a long-term diplomatic resolution between Washington and Tehran.
By PRNigeria
