Summary
- He said both sides had agreed on key initial measures, including Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the United States lifting its naval blockade.
- Officials confirmed that the agreement is temporary in nature and serves as a framework to guide further talks on long-term issues, including nuclear restrictions and sanctions relief.
- Further negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz identified as the first practical step under the agreement.
WASHINGTON / PARIS / TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a landmark agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict and opening a new phase of negotiations between the two countries.
According to officials, the memorandum of understanding was signed on June 17, 2026, and immediately confirmed by both sides. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the document was finalised after the signatures of both presidents, marking a formal step toward implementation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed on social media that the agreement would take effect immediately. He said both sides had agreed on key initial measures, including Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the United States lifting its naval blockade.
Under the initial framework, Washington has also agreed to ease oil-related sanctions on Iran. The move is expected to provide immediate economic relief to Tehran as part of confidence-building steps.
The deal aims to bring an end to a conflict that escalated earlier in the year and severely disrupted regional stability and global energy routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel, was among the most affected areas during the hostilities.
The agreement also outlines the possibility of a large-scale reconstruction package worth around $300 billion, which would be activated after a final nuclear agreement is reached between the two countries and their partners.
Iran has agreed to dilute parts of its enriched uranium stockpile under international supervision, while insisting that its nuclear programme remains peaceful. The United States and Iran are expected to continue negotiations for up to 60 days to finalize a comprehensive settlement.
Officials confirmed that the agreement is temporary in nature and serves as a framework to guide further talks on long-term issues, including nuclear restrictions and sanctions relief.
Despite the announcement, reactions remain divided internationally. Some officials in Washington have raised concerns over the scope of sanctions relief, while others view the deal as a breakthrough for regional peace.
Iranian officials described the agreement as a diplomatic success, while emphasizing that Tehran’s core security interests remain non-negotiable.
Further negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz identified as the first practical step under the agreement.
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