Leaders Welcome Agreement While Questions Remain Over Final Terms
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened later this week following a newly reached agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking ahead of the G7 summit in France, Trump said maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would resume completely by Friday. He also stated that oil tankers had already begun moving through the strait after months of disruption caused by the conflict that erupted in February.
Meanwhile, officials from both countries confirmed progress toward implementing the agreement. A senior US administration official revealed that Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf had electronically signed a memorandum of understanding, marking the initial phase of the peace process.
A formal signing ceremony is expected to take place in Switzerland on Friday.
Lebanon Remains Key Issue Amid Regional Reactions
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei welcomed the framework but stressed that Tehran still maintained deep mistrust toward Washington. He also called on the United States to ensure that Israel halts military operations in Lebanon under the agreement.
However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would continue operating in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Consequently, Israeli political figures criticized the deal, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that it would help end hostilities permanently.
At the same time, Hezbollah thanked Iran for insisting that Lebanon be included in the broader negotiations.
Markets Rally as Diplomatic Process Continues
Additionally, global markets reacted positively to the announcement, while the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan welcomed the breakthrough.
Although the framework outlines steps toward reducing tensions, officials acknowledged that negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and frozen assets will continue over the coming weeks before a final agreement is reached.
