ISLAMABAD – The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move that could ease global energy shortages and stabilize international markets.
The agreement, announced early Monday, includes plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remove the United States naval blockade imposed during the conflict. However, implementation of the deal will only begin after a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
The war, which has claimed thousands of lives across the Middle East and triggered a major energy crisis, has left the region facing significant political and security challenges. While the agreement represents a major diplomatic breakthrough, several key issues remain unresolved.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step toward peace. In a social media post, Trump said he had authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the US naval blockade. He later clarified that these measures would take effect following the official signing of the agreement.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the understanding on state television, stating that Tehran would begin implementing the agreement only after it is formally signed. He noted that negotiations were supported by mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
Pakistan, which played a central role in the talks, announced that both sides had agreed to the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said mediators would continue facilitating discussions this week to prepare for technical negotiations.
Despite the announcement, uncertainty remains regarding Israel’s position. Israeli forces have continued military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, including recent strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israeli officials had not publicly commented on the agreement at the time of publication.
The deal also establishes a 60-day period for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The issue remains one of the most sensitive aspects of the broader dispute between Tehran and Washington.
International markets responded positively to the news. Benchmark Brent crude oil prices dropped by more than four dollars per barrel, while Asian stock markets recorded gains amid hopes that energy supplies could soon return to normal levels.
Political reactions in the United States were mixed. Some lawmakers welcomed efforts to end the conflict, while others expressed concern about differences between Iranian and American interpretations of the agreement.
The conflict dramatically reshaped the region, including the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, now leads the country and reportedly approved the agreement.
Although the preliminary deal offers hope for peace, analysts caution that major obstacles remain. Negotiators must still resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, regional security concerns and long-term guarantees for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
If successfully implemented, the agreement could mark the beginning of a broader diplomatic effort to restore stability across the Middle East and reduce tensions that have threatened global energy supplies.
