U.S. and Iran reach tentative deal to end war

The United States and Iran say they have reached a tentative agreement to end more than three months of war, halt fighting in Lebanon and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a breakthrough that could ease pressure on global oil markets while leaving major disputes unresolved.

President Donald Trump announced the deal Sunday on social media, writing, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” In a separate post, he said he had authorized “the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz” and the removal of the U.S. naval blockade. “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he wrote.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator, said the agreement is expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, quoted by Iranian state media, said the memorandum of understanding has been finalized and will be made public after the signing. Tasnim news agency reported that Gharibabadi said the agreement “does not signify trust in the enemy and was drafted in an atmosphere of continued distrust.”

The text has not been released. Officials and media reports describe it as a framework that would extend the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire for 60 days while negotiators seek a broader settlement. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the deal was reached “following a difficult and intensive period of negotiations lasting several months” and said military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, would end.

Several issues remain unsettled. The fate of Iran’s nuclear program is to be negotiated during the 60-day period. Trump told The New York Times that Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium for nonmilitary purposes, a shift from his earlier calls to dismantle the entire program. He also warned that if negotiations fail, the U.S. could resume military action. Iran is seeking sanctions relief and the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the agreement. Iran has effectively controlled the waterway since shortly after the war began on Feb. 28, restricting a route used for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The U.S. blockaded Iranian ports in response. Trump said the strait would initially reopen for mine removal after the agreement is signed. Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s Fars news agency said Tehran added maritime service fees in the final stages of negotiations, while The Guardian reported that Iran’s Mehr news agency said the strait would reopen within 30 days under “Iranian arrangements.”

The Lebanon provisions could be the most immediate test. Iran had made an end to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah a condition of the deal. But Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for an unlimited period. CBS News, citing Israeli news service Ynet, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump Israel would not pull troops from Lebanon and did not consider itself bound by the Lebanon-related terms.

Trump criticized Israeli airstrikes Sunday on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which followed Hezbollah drone or projectile attacks into northern Israel, according to Israeli officials. “This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran,” Trump wrote before announcing the agreement.

The deal drew support from mediators and European leaders. Qatar’s prime minister praised the breakthrough and urged “positive and constructive” negotiations. Leaders from the U.K., France, Germany and Italy welcomed the agreement, called for swift implementation and urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “critical step,” according to his spokesperson, who said the parties should “redouble their efforts towards a final resolution of the conflict.”