Key facts
- US and Iran electronically signed a preliminary deal on Sunday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Trump and Vice President Vance signed the deal for the US.
- The agreement ensures Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon.
- Three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade.
- Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will attend the signing in Switzerland.
The United States and Iran have electronically signed a preliminary deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance signing for the US. The agreement, which was digitally signed on Sunday, June 16, 2026, is expected to be fully detailed this week.
Vice President Vance stated that the deal ensures the Strait of Hormuz opens immediately and guarantees Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon. He described the agreement as a "win-win for the American people" and indicated that Iran would be welcomed into the global economy if it commits to not rebuilding its nuclear program, with benefits flowing if they comply. He also expressed expectations for nuclear inspectors to return to Iran quickly and for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist in destroying Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
Following the US lifting its naval blockade, three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo ships have reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has vehemently denied reports of US payments to Iran, labeling them "Fake News" and attributing them to Democrats. He emphasized that Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, the deal has faced criticism from some US lawmakers. Senator Richard Blumenthal likened the situation to the UK's Suez Canal crisis, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an immediate congressional briefing on the details. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley deemed the ceasefire necessary but criticized Trump's past actions.
President Trump is attending the G7 summit in France, where the deal is a significant topic of discussion. French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously expressed reservations about Trump's actions regarding Iran, welcomed the diplomatic progress. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are planning to activate plans for an international maritime mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Western military assets potentially heading to the region within four days.
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will attend the signing in Switzerland, according to an Iranian deputy foreign minister. The exact location has not yet been determined, and the next round of negotiations will begin immediately after the signing.