Key facts
- US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Iran to end the conflict.
- The agreement includes lifting the US naval blockade and ending fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- European, Indo-Pacific leaders, Pakistan, and Qatar welcomed the deal.
- Israel offered no official comment, with some Israeli commentators viewing it as a defeat for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Iranians expressed a mix of hope, caution, and skepticism regarding the deal's long-term prospects.
- New negotiations are scheduled for June 22 concerning Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive deal with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, including the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade and a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, notably extending to Lebanon. The agreement, welcomed by European and Indo-Pacific leaders, Pakistan, and Qatar, signals a potential restoration of regional stability and easing of global economic pressures.
However, Israel has remained officially silent, with some Israeli commentators, like Gideon Levy, characterizing the deal as a personal defeat for Prime Minister Netanyahu and a sign of Israel's exclusion from negotiations. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers in the US have criticized the war's necessity and the agreement's perceived reset of the situation after a costly conflict, with Senator Chris Coons highlighting concerns over differing interpretations of the deal's terms.
Iranians have expressed a mixture of cautious optimism and skepticism, citing past US breaches of commitments. President Pezeshkian urged against criticizing the deal's negotiators, while emphasizing the authorities' commitment to protecting Iranian rights. The implementation of the deal, particularly concerning Lebanon, is seen as a critical test, with new negotiations scheduled for June 22 focusing on Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Markets are anticipating the opening on Monday, with leaders preparing to claim victory. Behind-the-scenes negotiations are expected to address Iran's nuclear program, frozen assets, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are also expected to seek a role in managing the Strait of Hormuz.