DUBAI/WASHINGTON: Iran and the United States have reached a preliminary framework agreement aimed at ending months of war, lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, officials from both countries said on Monday.
Major Diplomatic Breakthrough
The announcement offered the first major diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began, sending oil prices sharply lower and lifting Asian stock markets. However, some of the most sensitive issues, including the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief, have been left for further negotiations.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social on Sunday evening in Washington, saying the deal with Iran was “complete.” His statement came shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government has played a mediating role in the talks, said an agreement had been reached. The memorandum of understanding is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.
Key Provisions
While the full terms of the agreement have not yet been made public, PM Sharif said the pact includes the immediate and permanent end of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, would permanently end from Monday night. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said a broader agreement would be negotiated during a 60-day ceasefire period, adding those talks would also cover sanctions relief for Tehran.
Strait of Hormuz to Reopen
Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments, would reopen on Friday. He also said he had ordered an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports. Following the announcement, Brent crude fell by around 4% in early Monday trading, while US West Texas Intermediate dropped by more than 4.6%. Stock markets across Asia moved higher.
Reactions and Next Steps
Former Biden administration State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticised the agreement, saying Trump had made major concessions to Iran only to return to the situation that existed before the war began. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the agreement but said Congress would closely review any future nuclear deal with Iran.
The agreement was reached despite an Israeli strike on Lebanon on Sunday, which drew criticism from both Iran and Trump. In a joint statement, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy said they were ready to lift sanctions on Iran if Tehran takes clear and verifiable steps to restrict its nuclear programme. The next phase of talks is expected to determine whether Monday’s breakthrough can be turned into a lasting settlement, or whether the unresolved questions over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security will once again threaten the fragile pause in fighting. The world has welcomed the news, but caution remains. The coming weeks will be critical. The 60-day window will test the goodwill of both sides. The international community must support the process. The people of Iran, the United States, and the region deserve peace. The framework is a foundation. The building must now be completed. The negotiators have their work cut out. The hope is that they will succeed. The alternative is a return to conflict. The choice is clear. The path is diplomacy. The destination is lasting peace. The world is watching. The hope endures. The time for peace is now. The leaders have taken the first step. The next steps must follow. The journey continues. The destination is in sight. The work is far from over, but the direction is clear. Peace is possible. The framework proves it. The future is unwritten. The pen is in the hands of the negotiators
