ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US President Donald Trump announced late Sunday that a peace deal with Iran had been finalized, while Tehran confirmed an agreement that would bring an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, marking what appears to be the end of more than three months of conflict in the Middle East.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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!”
The announcement came hours after Israel carried out a strike on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Despite earlier reports suggesting Tehran might retaliate, Iranian officials ultimately refrained.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council declared in a statement that “war and military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, will end immediately and permanently starting tonight,” while “the naval blockade against Iran ends immediately and completely.”
On Monday morning, Israel carried out a number of strikes in southern Lebanon, raising concerns of complicating the deal as Washington and Tehran are on the brink of signing an agreement following a three-month negotiations stalemate since attacks were launched on Iran on February 28.
The council added that negotiations toward a final agreement would be postponed until the United States fulfills commitments outlined in the memorandum.
Tehran thanked Pakistan and Qatar for their mediation efforts. Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed its submission, adding that the agreement was based on what he described as “active distrust” of the enemy.
An official signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me,” wrote Trump. “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!”
US Vice President JD Vance welcomed the deal, arguing that it would reduce instability and lower energy prices worldwide.
“What we're going to be able to do is drive down the cost of energy, not just now, but for the long term, and create a real engine of prosperity in the Middle East,” Vance told Fox News.
He described the agreement as delivering “big, big wins for the American people,” adding that, “we've achieved something great for them.”
Details of the accord remain unclear. Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that Washington would release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets as part of the arrangement and cited a 14-point memorandum that allegedly includes the phased release of up to $24 billion during a 60-day negotiation period.
The conflict began in late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with attacks against Israel and US allies, effectively disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy transit route responsible for over 90% of crude oil imports. The United States later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian maritime traffic, escalating tensions until the latest round of negotiations produced the current agreement.
The deal was unanimously welcomed by the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described it as a “critical step” toward ending the conflict, while Britain, France, Germany and Italy signaled readiness to ease sanctions on Iran and support efforts toward a broader diplomatic settlement.
“Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon,” read a joint statement signed by leaders from the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. “We stand ready to work with the US, Iran and the IAEA to this end. We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear programme.”
Markets reacted positively on Monday, with oil prices falling sharply and major stock indices rising amid expectations that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would soon resume per usual.
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