US/Iran, June 15: A major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran has raised hopes of easing tensions across the Middle East after both countries agreed to a peace framework that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the US naval blockade and an immediate ceasefire arrangement.
The announcement came from US President Donald Trump, who declared that a deal with Iran had been completed after months of conflict that had disrupted global shipping, unsettled energy markets and fuelled fears of a broader regional war.
In a series of social media posts, Trump described the agreement as a historic achievement and authorised the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. He also announced the immediate removal of the US naval blockade that had been imposed during the conflict.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said, adding that the agreement would allow oil shipments to resume through one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of international attention in recent months. The narrow waterway serves as a crucial passage for a substantial share of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Any disruption in navigation through the strait has significant implications for energy supplies and global markets.
According to Trump, the agreement will be formally signed later this week. He indicated that reopening the waterway would also facilitate efforts to clear mines and restore normal commercial shipping operations.
The US President further portrayed the development as a milestone in regional diplomacy, arguing that previous administrations had failed to achieve a similar understanding with Tehran. He said the agreement would contribute to peace and security across the wider region.
While Trump did not release the full details of the arrangement, his statements suggested that the immediate priority was restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and ending restrictions on maritime traffic.
The announcement was followed by reactions from the United Nations, which welcomed the reported agreement and expressed hope that it could pave the way for a durable settlement of the conflict.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the development as a critical step toward a peaceful resolution. Through his spokesperson, the UN chief welcomed the reported provisions for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the establishment of a framework for future negotiations.
The United Nations also acknowledged the role played by several regional countries in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. The organisation expressed hope that the momentum created by the agreement would lead to broader diplomatic progress and eventually a comprehensive peace arrangement.
Additional details emerged from Tehran, where Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that the two countries had reached an understanding that would end military operations and remove the naval blockade.
According to Iranian officials, the final draft of a peace memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed in Switzerland later this week. Iranian sources indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen following the signing ceremony.
Iranian authorities also signalled that the agreement could open the door to a new phase of negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear programme and the removal of sanctions. However, officials stressed that progress on those issues would depend on the United States fulfilling its initial commitments under the agreement.
The reported framework outlines a 60-day period of negotiations between the two countries. During this phase, Iran is expected to assess whether Washington complies with the preliminary terms before broader discussions move forward.
The agreement is also being viewed as significant because it seeks to halt military activity across multiple fronts. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that both sides had agreed to the immediate and permanent termination of military operations, including in Lebanon, following intensive negotiations.
However, uncertainty remains regarding some aspects of the broader regional implications of the deal. Reports from Israel suggested that differences may persist over provisions linked to Lebanon, indicating that not all parties in the region necessarily view themselves as bound by every element of the arrangement.
The timing of the breakthrough has attracted attention because it follows a period of heightened tensions and warnings of possible escalation. Just hours before reports of the agreement emerged, Iranian officials had issued strong statements regarding developments involving Lebanon.
Despite these complexities, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains the most immediate and tangible outcome of the agreement. The restoration of commercial shipping through the waterway is expected to reduce concerns over energy supplies and maritime security that have dominated international discussions during the months-long standoff.
With a formal signing ceremony expected in the coming days, attention will now shift to implementation of the ceasefire provisions, restoration of shipping operations and the next phase of negotiations that could address more contentious issues between Washington and Tehran.
For now, the agreement marks the most significant diplomatic development between the two countries in recent months, offering a pathway away from confrontation and toward renewed dialogue.
