Iran Tensions End as US and Tehran Reach Peace Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have reached a peace deal to end their months-long war amid Iran tensions, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen upon signing on Friday in Switzerland, according to announcements from US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. [2][3]
Trump Announces Completion of Iran Peace Deal
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States and Iran have reached a peace deal to end their monthslong war, noting that the crucial Strait of Hormuz will reopen once they sign the deal later this week. [2] Trump announced the deal on social media, capping grueling negotiations to end the hostilities that started with the US-Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28. [2] "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. [2] "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" [2] In a separate post, Trump cast the deal as a "great" one that will bring peace to the "whole" Middle East region. [2] "Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace," he said. [2] "With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!" [2] He did not divulge further details of the deal. [2] Trump's announcement on the deal coincided with the celebration of his 80th birthday. [2] On Saturday, Trump said that the deal was scheduled to be signed Sunday. But the signing did not take place as tensions flared anew due to Israel's air strike targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. [2]
Mediator Pakistan Confirms Signing Details
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X that a peace deal "has been REACHED" and an official signing ceremony will be held on June 19 in Switzerland. [3] "Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," he wrote. [2] "The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland." [2] Sharif added that mediators will facilitate a series of meetings between the US and Iran this week. [2] "These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony," he said. [2] With the help of intermediary countries, including Pakistan and Qatar, the US and Iran have been working on a memorandum of understanding that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for 60-day technical discussions on Iran's nuclear program. [2]
Background on the US-Iran Conflict
The Trump administration began its military campaign, called "Operation Epic Fury," in late February, aiming to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, defense industrial base, navy and air force, and deny the regime any pathway to develop nuclear weapons. [2] The conflict had closed the Strait of Hormuz, trapping two dozen South Korean vessels and driving up global oil, fertilizer and commodity prices, with South Korea and other nations closely monitoring developments. [2] Trump has sought an early exit from the increasingly unpopular war with Iran that has led to a sharp increase in energy prices and fanned fears of higher inflation. [2] South Korea and other nations, which rely on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports, had hoped for an early peace settlement between the US and Iran that would restore safe passage through the waterway. [2]
Path Forward for Nuclear Discussions
In a press call Friday, a senior Trump administration official explained the nearly finalized text of the peace deal, saying it leads to the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and the US' taking of Iran's enriched uranium. [2] The agreement includes the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, following a US-Israeli attack on Iran that began on Feb. 28. [2] The deal involves dismantling Iran's nuclear program and the US taking its enriched uranium, aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East after previous failed attempts. [2] The signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland, with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar facilitating pre-implementation discussions this week leading to 60-day technical talks on Iran's nuclear program. [2]
International Reactions and Support
UN chief welcomes US-Iran peace deal as 'critical' step toward ending conflict. [4] 'This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,' Antonio Guterres says. [4] Qatar welcomes US-Iran memorandum, voices support for upcoming negotiations. [5] Prime minister says Doha will continue backing efforts aimed at strengthening regional stability through dialogue. [5]
Impact on Global Shipping and Energy
LNG tanker heads toward Hormuz as peace deal raises hopes of key waterway reopening. [1] The conflict had closed the Strait of Hormuz, trapping two dozen South Korean vessels and driving up global oil, fertilizer and commodity prices, with South Korea and other nations closely monitoring developments. [2] South Korea and other nations, which rely on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports, had hoped for an early peace settlement between the US and Iran that would restore safe passage through the waterway. [2] Two dozen South Korean vessels still remain trapped in the strait. [2]
What to watch next: Mediators will facilitate a series of meetings between the US and Iran this week ahead of the official signing ceremony on June 19 in Switzerland and the start of 60-day technical talks on Iran's nuclear program.
