Trump announces historic US-Iran peace deal; Strait of Hormuz blockade lifted
Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday the finalisation of a peace accord between the United States and Iran, declaring the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and ordering the immediate cessation of its naval blockade, a decision he said would reinstate the unhindered movement of international energy resources.
Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!"
The declaration occurred amid escalating international initiatives to resolve hostilities across West Asia and follows multiple days of rigorous diplomatic mediation featuring Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced that a peace pact between the United States and Iran had been achieved after exhaustive deliberations. Sharif noted that both nations have additionally decreed a permanent cessation of military activities within Lebanon.
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The official signing of the treaty is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
In a post published on X, Sharif stated, "Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."
"The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland. We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in this mediation effort, the great leadership of the State of Qatar, for their support in reaching this agreement. I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye for their immense contributions in this regard," Sharif said.
"With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony," Sharif added.
Earlier Sunday, Trump had signalled that the diplomatic package remained viable despite a sudden spike in volatility caused by Israeli bombardments in Beirut and corresponding vows of retaliation from Tehran.
In an interview with Axios, Trump remarked that the treaty, which authorities originally expected to execute earlier that day, encountered a delay of several hours because of the military flare-up in Lebanon.
"It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours," Trump said, conveying irritation regarding the timing of the Israeli offensive.
According to Axios, the aerial bombardment in Beirut took place shortly before the United States and Iran were slated to complete the accord. Trump censured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating the assault angered him and compounded the difficulties of active diplomatic manoeuvres.
The US president asserted that the arrangement would bolster regional stability by blocking Iran's path toward nuclear arms acquisition and implementing more robust regulatory monitoring over Tehran's nuclear infrastructure, including formal inspections and the elimination of fissile material.
The treaty indicates a potential conclusion to the regional warfare, which erupted Feb. 28 when targeted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
With inputs from ANI