GUWAHATI: A major diplomatic breakthrough has been made as the United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement aimed at ending a conflict that has persisted for more than three months. Officials from both countries confirmed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed in Switzerland on June 19.
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The proposed agreement outlines several key measures, including a cessation of military operations, the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of the United States' naval blockade of Iran. However, negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme have been deferred to a separate round of talks.
Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the negotiations, announced that both sides had agreed to an understanding that calls for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
While the broad contours of the agreement have been disclosed, the full text remains confidential and is expected to be released only after the agreement is signed formally.
US President Donald Trump publicly announced the development on his Truth Social platform, describing the agreement as complete and authorising the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“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 wrote.
Iran also confirmed the breakthrough. Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran would participate in a proposed 60-day negotiation process only after independently verifying that Washington had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement.
A central component of the framework is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global oil and energy shipments. Officials from both countries said they had agreed in principle to restore navigation through the waterway and bring an end to the naval blockade.
However, implementation of these measures is expected only after the formal agreement is signed later this week.
Despite progress on security and maritime issues, the future of Iran’s nuclear activities remains unresolved. Both sides have indicated that the matter will be addressed through separate negotiations during the next phase of diplomatic engagement.
The issue of Lebanon reportedly emerged as one of the most contentious points during the talks, amid continuing hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah. Pakistan’s statement indicated that the agreement covers all theatres of conflict, including Lebanon.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretariat later said that military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, would cease permanently from Monday night.
Israel has not issued an immediate response to the announcement and has maintained that it was not a participant in the US-Iran negotiations.
The anticipated signing of the agreement on June 19 is being closely watched internationally, with observers viewing it as a potentially significant step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy security.