The United States and Iran have announced a breakthrough agreement aimed at ending months of conflict across the Middle East and restoring access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments.
The agreement, expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, is being viewed as a significant step toward de-escalating tensions that have claimed thousands of lives and disrupted international energy markets.
Speaking on social media, United States President, Donald Trump, declared that negotiations with Iran had been successfully concluded.
“The agreement with Iran is complete. The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened, allowing global oil shipments to resume without restrictions,” Trump said.
Iran also confirmed the development, with Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, describing the deal as a pathway to ending military confrontations between both nations.
“This understanding brings an immediate end to the conflict and opens the door for further discussions toward a lasting settlement,” Gharibabadi stated during a televised address.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, announced that both countries had agreed to halt military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon.
“The parties have agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities. We appreciate the support of regional partners who contributed to the mediation efforts,” Sharif said.
Although details of the agreement remain limited, Iranian media reports suggest that the United States may release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets as part of confidence-building measures ahead of broader negotiations.
However, questions remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, which continues to be a key issue in discussions between Washington and Tehran. President Trump indicated that talks were ongoing regarding restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities but declined to provide specifics.
The announcement has been welcomed by the international community. Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, described the development as a critical opportunity to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Several European countries, including United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, also expressed support for the agreement and signalled readiness to ease sanctions on Iran if progress continues.
Global markets reacted positively to the announcement, with oil prices falling sharply and major stock markets posting gains amid expectations of improved energy supplies and reduced geopolitical risks.
The breakthrough follows renewed tensions sparked by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeting positions linked to the Iran-backed group, Hezbollah.
The incident had threatened to derail negotiations before mediators succeeded in bringing both sides back to the table.
If signed as scheduled, the agreement could mark one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the region in recent years and pave the way for broader discussions on security, economic cooperation and nuclear issues.
