Trump Confirms Signed Preliminary Deal with Iran
US President Donald Trump stated that a preliminary agreement to end the war with Iran has already been signed, with details expected to be released "pretty soon."
During discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit on Monday, Trump said,
"I am very happy to say it's signed, the deal is all signed."
Senior US officials provided additional information regarding the agreement, indicating that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday, coinciding with the formal signing of the deal in Geneva.
They noted that technical talks concerning Iran's nuclear program are anticipated to commence this week. Any sanctions relief or asset releases will depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments under the agreement.
The officials confirmed that the agreement was electronically signed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
More details about the pact may be disclosed by Wednesday, although Trump indicated the full text would be published "pretty soon" after the Friday ceremony.
"It's a very powerful document, and I want it to be released. So probably pretty soon," the president added.
The deal extends a ceasefire for an additional 60 days, during which the parties will negotiate the specifics of a final agreement.
Breakthrough Announcement and Ceasefire Terms
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country mediated the talks, announced the breakthrough on Sunday, stating the agreement includes "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."
US officials clarified that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire framework, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a condition of the deal. Israel retains the right to self-defense.
On Monday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "as long as necessary," maintaining the freedom to respond to attacks.
He also said Iran would not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons, with or without a deal.
Netanyahu made these remarks following reports from Lebanese media of a deadly Israeli strike on a car in southern Lebanon—the first since the peace deal was announced. Hezbollah claimed to have retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israeli forces.
US Naval Blockade Lifted and Strait of Hormuz Reopening
On Sunday, Trump announced the immediate removal of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and stated the Strait of Hormuz would reopen upon signing the initial agreement.
On Monday, he posted on social media that,
"ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz."
Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the cessation of military operations during a phone interview on Iranian state television, which portrayed the framework deal as a victory for Iran.
Gharibabadi noted that Qatari mediators conducted "nearly 14 to 15 hours of lengthy talks" in Tehran to reach the initial agreement.
Iran's top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that Iranians, along with the country's armed forces and Tehran's regional proxies and allies, demonstrated to the US and Israel that they had "no option but to accept defeat and surrender."
However, Iran's foreign ministry expressed that Tehran still harbors "deep mistrust" of the US and described the agreement as "merely a step towards reducing tensions."
Regional Reactions and Future Prospects
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the understandings would translate into "practical steps that will put a definitive end to the cycle of violence."
Key issues previously included Iran's nuclear enrichment program and Western demands that Iran not possess nuclear weapons, alongside Iran's desire for comprehensive sanctions relief and access to tens of billions of dollars in frozen oil revenues.
JD Vance told Fox News on Sunday that the agreement ensures Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon and that the US will be able to verify compliance.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy emphasized that Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon" and declared their readiness to lift relevant sanctions contingent upon clear, verifiable steps by Iran regarding its nuclear program.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the announcement as,
"a hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz."
