By Favour Ulebor & Agency Report
The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to end their months-long conflict, with both sides expected to formally sign a peace deal in Switzerland on Friday.
The agreement includes plans to end military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, whose country helped mediate the talks, announced the breakthrough on Monday.
According to him, the deal provides for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon”.
US President Donald Trump also confirmed the development and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said further negotiations would continue during a 60-day ceasefire period.
He explained that the talks would focus on a broader agreement, including possible sanctions relief.
Despite the announcement, some Israeli leaders have strongly opposed the deal.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said, “Trump’s agreement is not binding on us.”
He added that Israel “must not settle for anything less than the dismantling of Hezbollah” and would not withdraw from occupied areas.
Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, also criticised the agreement, describing it as “bad for Israel and for the entire free world.”
He warned that Israel would “continue the campaign” against the Iranian regime on its own if necessary.
Meanwhile, reactions from the global shipping industry have been mixed.
The German Shipowners’ Association, VDR, said it remained uncertain whether the agreement would guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
“However, we are cautiously optimistic,” the association said.
Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd welcomed the announcement and expressed hope that vessels would soon resume normal operations through the waterway.
The company told Reuters that the agreement sounded encouraging and hoped that “vessels will be able to cross the Strait of Hormuz this week”.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and its reopening is expected to ease concerns in global energy markets.
