A possible agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran was announced late Sunday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The deal includes stopping military actions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and eventually lifting U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports. Still, Iran’s nuclear program, a key issue, has not been settled and will be discussed in future talks.
The agreement is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday. News of the deal quickly affected global markets, sending oil prices down and Asian stock markets higher.
The U.S. president announced the agreement on his Truth Social platform at about 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, saying, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.” His statement came after Sharif spoke, as Pakistan has helped mediate the talks.
Although all the details have not yet been shared, Sharif said the agreement includes “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council later confirmed that military operations would stop for good starting Monday night. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said negotiators will use a 60-day ceasefire to work toward a broader agreement that could include easing sanctions and other long-term measures.
This announcement follows months of fighting that have killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. After U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Tehran struck Israel and Gulf countries with U.S. bases. Iran also blocked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. responded by restricting Iranian ports.
A major result of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Trump said the waterway will reopen on Friday and that he has ordered the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports to end.
“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote.
Even with this diplomatic progress, negotiators have delayed decisions about Iran’s nuclear activities.
According to Iranian officials, discussions during the ceasefire period will focus on sanctions relief and the future of Tehran’s nuclear program. Sources indicate that the issue remains among the most difficult issues facing both sides.
The dispute goes back years. During Trump’s first term, the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under President Obama. After that, Iran increased its uranium enrichment and built up more than 400 kilograms (about 900 pounds) of uranium close to weapons-grade.
Former Biden administration State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the framework, saying: “We have no assurances the nuclear program will ever be addressed, but Iran has shown the world it can take the global economy hostage and get something from the U.S. in return.”
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that future nuclear talks will be watched closely. “Under our law, any nuclear deal with Iran will be sent to Congress for review and a vote,” he said. “Congratulations to all on getting us to this point.”
As negotiators prepare for formal talks in Switzerland, the focus is now on whether the ceasefire will last and if both sides can agree on Iran’s nuclear future.
A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.
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