WASHINTGON, JUN 15 (AGENCIES): The US and Iran have agreed to strike a deal to end their conflict, with US President Donald Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz oil shipping channel would also reopen.
The deal, scheduled to be formally signed Friday in Switzerland, marks a major breakthrough in the conflict that set the Middle East aflame and shook the global economy. During meeting both sides will negotiate details of a final agreement.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media on Sunday evening.
“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump said in his post.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the deal was reached “following a difficult and intensive period of negotiations lasting several months.”
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the end of military operations in a phone call on Iranian state TV, which portrayed the framework deal as a victory for Iran.
The U.S. and Iran will end the sporadic attacks that have been taking place despite a ceasefire.
However, the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran did not resolve several critical issues that must still be worked out in another round of negotiations.
The text of the deal was not immediately released but has been widely described by U.S. and Iranian officials and in media reports.
The agreement extends the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire for 60 days. The goal in upcoming talks will be a permanent end to the war.
The fate of Iran’s nuclear program will be negotiated but remains unresolved for now. Trump made no mention of the nuclear issue in his initial posts, though this is the main reason he cited for launching the war in February.
