Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement with Iran has been finalized and that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened for toll-free shipping.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi later confirmed the deal on Sunday, saying it will immediately halt hostilities between Tehran and Washington, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Turning 80 on Sunday, Trump said the pact reopens the Strait of Hormuz for toll-free shipping after it had been largely shut following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on December 28.
On Truth Social he declared, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” and added: “Congratulations to all! 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. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
In another post he argued the agreement would bring regional peace and security and hinted it could be the first step toward a wider settlement with Iran.
He also wrote, “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!”
In an interview published by The New York Times, Trump warned the US might resume military action or act as a regional security enforcer in exchange for 20 percent of the area’s revenues; it was not clear whether that interview took place before or after he announced the deal.
His remarks followed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s post on X saying the agreement ends combat on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
Sharif wrote: “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.”
He said the formal signing will take place in Switzerland on Friday, June 19, and thanked the US and Iran for engaging in diplomacy. He also praised Qatar’s mediation and thanked Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for their assistance, noting mediators will hold pre-implementation sessions to prepare technical negotiations and the signing.
The announcement capped days of speculation. Trump had signalled a ceasefire announcement would come Sunday, but an Israeli airstrike near Beirut’s southern suburbs raised worries the deal could be undermined.
Qatar-Pakistan Mediation Hailed
Following Iranian warnings of retaliation against Israel over the Beirut strike — which Tehran called a red line — Pakistan’s post on X confirmed the agreement and drew international welcome.
Qatar credited its coordination with Pakistan for helping bring about the memorandum of understanding after intense mediation.
On X, Qatar’s foreign ministry said: “The State of Qatar welcomes the agreement reached on the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on addressing the outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and considers it an important step towards consolidating sustainable peace and promoting economic growth regionally and internationally.”
UK Urges Quick Reopening Of Hormuz
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered to support technical talks between Washington and Tehran and said he hoped reopening the Strait would help steady global energy markets.
Starmer wrote on X: “Attention must now turn to fully implementing the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait reopens and remains fully and permanently open, and that the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement are finalised.”
“We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored,” he added.
