- US and Iran officials announce framework for ending their conflict.
- Iran agrees to reopen critical Strait of Hormuz for global oil.
- President Trump confirms deal signing scheduled for Friday in Geneva.
In a major development, United States and Iranian officials said on Sunday that they had agreed on a framework to end their war. The much-awaited breakthrough was announced by US President Donald Trump on Monday, nearly three months after global oil prices reached a record high, putting the energy needs of nations, including India, in jeopardy. Trump announced that Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that allows passage of nearly 20 per cent of global oil flow.
As per Trump’s social media post, the deal will be signed on Friday in Geneva.
Thousands of people have been killed, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, since US and Israeli forces first attacked Iran on February 28. Iran has struck Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases and has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up global energy prices. US forces have blocked Iranian ports in response.
"Start your engines. Let the oil flow"
In a social media post, Trump said he has authorised the toll free movement in Hormuz and announced the removal of US blockade. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. 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," Trump said on Truth Social. "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" he added.
No mention of Pakistan as mediator
Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television but said Iran would not start implementing it until it was signed Friday. He said the deal followed talks with Qatar, "another mediator". The Iranian side neither mention "Pakistan" nor presented any vote of thanks for Islamabad.
Qatari mediators later left Tehran following 17 hours of negotiations, news agency AP quoted an official who briefed on the developments and spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the talks. Separate preparatory meetings with each side will take place in Doha this week, the official said.
It was not clear who from Iran would sign the deal on Friday.
What's next
The agreement may face initial hurdle as Israel claimed it has got freedom of military operation in Lebanon-- a claim that neither the US, not the Iranian side said. In fact, Lebanon was one of the core issue that delayed the peace agreement.
Israel’s continued hostilities with the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israel bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs Sunday, nearly derailed the negotiations.
Meanwhile, the deal gives just 60 days to resolve what to do about Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its atomic program. That took years to resolve in Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Trump unilaterally withdrew America from that accord in his first term, setting the stage for the tensions that culminated in the war.
(With inputs from agencies)