WASHINGTON, JUNE 18 : U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities, easing economic sanctions, and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while both nations continue negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
The agreement, which takes immediate effect, was facilitated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It establishes a permanent ceasefire and initiates a 60-day period of negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Under the deal, Iran has agreed to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while the United States will waive several sanctions, allowing Tehran to resume unrestricted oil exports. The move represents a significant concession by Washington and marks a major shift in U.S.-Iran relations following months of conflict.
Trump signed the agreement during a visit to France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, while Pezeshkian signed a corresponding copy in Tehran. Although the full text has not been officially released, draft details indicate that the agreement restores several pre-war arrangements, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.
The accord also includes provisions supporting Lebanon’s territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah. However, disagreements remain over Israeli military presence in parts of Lebanon, with Israel rejecting Iran’s demand for a complete withdrawal.
Speaking after the signing, Trump described the agreement as “very strong” but warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. He characterized the document as a memorandum of understanding rather than a final settlement.
The deal grants Iran immediate economic relief through expanded oil sales and outlines a pathway toward broader sanctions relief if future negotiations succeed. Analysts note that these concessions exceed those contained in the 2015 nuclear agreement, which Trump withdrew from during his first presidential term.
The interim accord is expected to face scrutiny in Washington and could create tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has maintained a hardline stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Both sides will now enter a 60-day negotiation period aimed at securing a long-term agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional security issues.
