US and Iran announce deal to end Middle East war and reopen Strait of Hormuz
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The United States and Iran have announced a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump stated the agreement was complete, and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed an "immediate end" to the conflict, with further talks planned within two months for a "final agreement." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts." The agreement's details remain largely undisclosed, though Iran's Mehr news agency reported that the US would release $12 billion in frozen assets to Iran before negotiations begin, with an additional $24 billion during a 60-day negotiation period. The US administration has not commented on these financial details, and the thorny question of Tehran鈥檚 nuclear program, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, is still under negotiation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the deal a "critical step," and the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy expressed readiness to lift sanctions on Iran. The announcement led to a drop in oil prices and a jump in stock markets, reflecting global relief over the potential end to the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil supplies. US Vice President JD Vance highlighted the potential for reduced energy costs and increased prosperity in the Middle East.
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