Key facts
- US President Donald Trump announced a preliminary peace deal with Iran, stating it has been signed.
- The agreement includes the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen on Friday, with shipping traffic expected to increase gradually.
- Technical talks on Iran's nuclear program are scheduled to begin this week.
- Sanctions relief and asset release are contingent on Iran meeting its commitments under the deal.
US President Donald Trump announced Monday that a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran has been signed, with details to be released soon. During talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Trump stated, "I am very happy to say it's signed, the deal is all signed."
Senior US officials briefed that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday, the same day the deal is formally inked in Geneva. Technical talks on Iran's nuclear program are expected to begin this week, with sanctions relief and asset release contingent on Iran meeting its commitments. The agreement was electronically signed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The deal extends a ceasefire for another 60 days, during which the sides will negotiate details of a final agreement. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the breakthrough, stating it includes the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, US officials clarified that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a condition of the deal, and Israel retains the right to self-defense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza as long as necessary and retain freedom to act. He also affirmed that Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Following the announcement, Lebanese media reported a deadly Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah stated it had fired missiles and drones at Israeli forces in response.
Trump had previously ordered the immediate removal of a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, stating the Strait of Hormuz would open upon the initial agreement's signing. He later claimed on social media that ships were already moving through the Strait. Iran's deputy foreign minister confirmed the end of military operations, with Iranian state TV portraying the framework deal as a victory. Qatari mediators reportedly held lengthy talks in Tehran to reach the initial agreement. Despite the deal, Iran's foreign ministry expressed "deep mistrust" of the US, viewing the agreement as merely a step towards reducing tensions.
