The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have formally agreed to an interim memorandum of understanding that immediately ends hostilities, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and initiates a 60‑day window for negotiating a final nuclear and security agreement. The deal, confirmed by U.S. officials, Iranian officials, and multiple international outlets, marks the most significant diplomatic shift in the conflict since the war began on February 28.
According to senior U.S. officials, the agreement’s 14 points include the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and a mutual commitment to respect sovereignty and refrain from interference. The United States will begin removing its naval blockade immediately and must fully end it within 30 days. Iran, in turn, will allow toll‑free commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while demining and restoring safe passage.
President Donald Trump publicly announced the deal, stating that the reopening of Hormuz would allow global oil shipments to resume and help avert what he described as an economic catastrophe. He authorized the immediate removal of the U.S. naval blockade and declared that oil will flow once the agreement is formally signed in Switzerland. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that both sides have agreed to a permanent end to the war and all military operations.
International reaction has been largely supportive. The United Nations welcomed the agreement as a critical step toward peace, while European leaders reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. Australia and Austria urged swift implementation and emphasized the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in Hormuz.
Economic impacts were immediate. Global markets reacted with falling oil and natural gas prices and rising equities as shipping lanes prepared to reopen. Bloomberg reports that the interim agreement halts a war that killed thousands and sets the stage for 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
The signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, where U.S. Vice President Vance and Iranian officials are expected to formalize the memorandum. The 60‑day negotiation period that follows will determine the final terms on nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, and long‑term regional security.
Sources
- Sky News
- The Hill
- Al Jazeera
- The Times of Israel
- Bloomberg
- Reuters (via U.S. News)