Photo: Alamy
The United States and Iran reached a preliminary agreement early Monday aimed at extending their fragile ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though immediate challenges emerged as Israel vowed to maintain control of territory seized during fighting in Lebanon.
Details of the agreement were not immediately released. Pakistan, which has helped mediate talks, said the memorandum of understanding is expected to be formally signed on Friday 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. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. 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!” President Trump posted to Truth Social Sunday night.
The proposed deal could restore the flow of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor whose disruption has rattled global markets and driven up fuel and food prices worldwide. But the agreement already faces obstacles, including continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Israel would not withdraw from territory it has captured in Lebanon, as well as areas in Syria and the Gaza Strip.
“We will remain indefinitely,” Katz said, while warning that Israel would respond with “great force” if Iran retaliates over Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Iran has tied any broader ceasefire arrangement to an end to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah.
The preliminary agreement also gives negotiators 60 days to resolve disputes over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the future of its nuclear program, issues that took years to negotiate under the 2015 nuclear agreement. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from that deal during his first term.
“Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote in another post on social media Sunday as he celebrated his 80th birthday during a UFC event at the White House.
“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,” Trump added.
He later clarified that implementation would not begin until the agreement is signed on Friday.