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U.S., Iran announce tentative agreement to end war

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The United States and Iran have announced a tentative agreement aimed at ending their recent conflict, with a formal memorandum of understanding expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland.

President Donald Trump said the agreement includes reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian officials also indicated that commercial shipping through the strait would resume once the memorandum is signed.

The agreement calls for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations, according to statements from regional leaders and officials involved in the negotiations. However, several major issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions, remain unresolved and will be the subject of additional negotiations over the next 60 days.

Both governments said Iran has agreed not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons. Iranian officials also indicated that Tehran would freeze nuclear activities, halt additional uranium enrichment and refrain from expanding nuclear facilities while broader negotiations continue.

The future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains under discussion. U.S. and Iranian officials have suggested that a final agreement could include measures to reduce or dilute the material under international oversight. Trump also said any long-term arrangement would include a robust inspections regime.

The conflict’s impact on Lebanon was one of the most difficult issues in the negotiations. Iran reportedly sought guarantees regarding attacks on its ally Hezbollah, while Israel has maintained that it will continue to defend its interests and retain military positions in parts of southern Lebanon.

Despite those disagreements, security sources reported no Hezbollah attacks on Israeli targets following the announcement of the agreement. Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon also appeared to decrease significantly.

Several countries in the region welcomed the tentative deal. Iraq expressed hope that it would bring an end to hostilities and help restore regional stability. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, both affected by the conflict, also praised the agreement and called for its full implementation.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments pass, has been a major focus of international concern throughout the conflict. Reopening the waterway is expected to ease pressure on global energy markets and commercial shipping.

Source: Reuters

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