US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that a ceasefire deal with Iran has been agreed, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen for shipping.
The agreement, later confirmed by Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, will immediately end hostilities between the two countries, reports Al Jazeera.
Trump, who marked his 80th birthday on Sunday, said the deal provides for toll‑free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, largely closed since the US and Israel launched an assault on Iran on 28 December.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
In a separate post, Trump added, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region,” and suggested a broader peace agreement could follow.
“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump warned that the US could restart military operations or act as “the guardian of the Middle East” in exchange for 20 percent of the region’s revenues. It was unclear if the interview took place after the deal was announced.
Trump’s announcement followed confirmation from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who posted on X that the deal ends fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif wrote.
He said an official signing ceremony will be held in Switzerland on Friday, 19 June.
“We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in this mediation effort, the great leadership of the State of Qatar, for their support in reaching this agreement. I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye for their immense contributions in this regard. With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre‑implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony.”
The announcement capped days of speculation over whether a deal would be reached. Trump had earlier said a ceasefire would be announced Sunday, but an Israeli air raid on Beirut’s southern suburbs raised fears the agreement could collapse.
After repeated warnings from Iranian leaders that Tehran was ready to strike Israel over the Beirut bombing, a declared red line, Sharif’s post confirmed the deal, with other countries welcoming the news.
