The United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement effectively ending over three months of conflict, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday. Both countries have agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. The deal is scheduled to be formally signed on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
The breakthrough comes after intensive diplomatic efforts led primarily by Qatar, with significant involvement from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. The mediation process included several days of negotiations, including Qatari delegations visiting Tehran to finalize the terms of the memorandum of understanding. The agreement notably entails reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage critical for global oil shipments, and the removal of the United States’ naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In reaction to the accord, U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed the deal’s completion on his social media platform, describing it as a major achievement and announcing the lifting of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also indicated that he or Vice President JD Vance will electronically sign the agreement.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by both Washington and Tehran in pursuing a peaceful resolution. It welcomed the agreement as an important step toward achieving long-term peace and fostering economic development regionally and internationally. The ministry also thanked Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their essential roles in facilitating dialogue.
Despite the announcement of the agreement, some elements remain under review. Iranian state media confirmed the end of hostilities, while Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported extensive discussions with Qatari and Pakistani officials over the memorandum’s terms. However, sources within Iran have indicated that Tehran has yet to finalize its approval of the framework, with ongoing evaluations of its political, legal, and technical aspects.
Tensions prior to the agreement included a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which Iran condemned and which briefly raised concerns about the stability of negotiations. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf criticized the United States over an Israeli attack on Hezbollah targets in the same area, casting doubt on Washington’s reliability in honoring commitments.
The ceasefire and peace deal aim to resolve a conflict that erupted following U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iran and led to thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. Iran had retaliated by attacking Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases, as well as effectively blockading the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to rising energy prices worldwide. The draft agreement reportedly includes provisions for the United States to release frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports, with further discussions on Iran’s nuclear program planned for a later phase.
As mediators prepare to convene further meetings this week to finalize technical details before the official signing, the agreement signals a potential shift toward calmer relations between Iran and the United States, alongside improved stability in the region.