Geneva: The United States and Iran have finally reached a peace agreement to end the ongoing war. The two nations are set to formally sign the agreement this Friday, coinciding with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for international traffic. The agreement addresses immediate military cessation, while the issue of Iran's nuclear program is slated for future discussions.
According to Thai News Agency, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a crucial role as a mediator, announced via social media that U.S. President Donald Trump and senior Iranian officials have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conclude the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The signing ceremony is planned for Friday in Geneva, Switzerland. This announcement was also echoed by Trump on the Truth Social platform as he ordered the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the naval blockade, signaling the end of hostilities.
Vice President J.D. Vance may attend the signing ceremony in Geneva, though there are indications that President Trump might personally sign the historic agreement. The MOU outlines immediate steps, including the cessation of military operations and the suspension of the U.S. naval blockade against Iran. In return, Iran will allow commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, although maritime navigation will remain under coordinated control with Oman.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Qassem Garibabadi confirmed that a 14-point framework MOU was reached after negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. He stressed that Iran's military posture compelled the United States to adjust the agreement in favor of Iran's conditions, indicating a cautious approach rather than trust.
This sentiment is echoed by General Ahmad Vahidi, Supreme Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and other high-ranking Iranian officials, who hailed the agreement as a significant triumph. They view it as evidence of Iran's ability to challenge U.S. influence in the region.
The signing will set off a 60-day period for technical negotiations on broader issues like economic sanctions and Iran's nuclear program. While Iran has agreed to maintain its nuclear program during the ceasefire, a permanent solution regarding uranium stockpiles is yet to be reached. Economic sanctions will be eased gradually, depending on Iran's adherence to the agreement, though the matter of frozen Iranian assets remains contentious.
The announcement led to a 4 percent drop in Brent crude oil prices, with markets responding positively to the news. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy issued statements of support, emphasizing the need for swift reopening of energy routes.
Israel has yet to respond to the agreement, which includes an immediate halt to attacks on all fronts, despite its prior exclusion from the peace talks between the United States and Iran.