President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States and Iran have reached a ceasefire deal, ending months of hostilities between the two countries and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, according to a report by Al Jazeera. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," he wrote. "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!"
The deal was confirmed by multiple parties. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a key mediating role in the negotiations, announced the agreement on X, saying: "Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, also confirmed the deal on Sunday, with Iranian state media reporting that he signaled Iran views the agreement as a victory.
The Strait of Hormuz had been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched an assault on Iran on December 28, NPR reported. Iran effectively controlled the strait for much of that period, virtually shutting down the vital passage for a large share of the world's oil and gas. The U.S. responded by blockading Iranian ports. The U.S. says Iran laid mines in the strait, and Trump said Sunday that the waterway will be opened for mine removal after the deal is formally signed.
Trump turned 80 on Sunday, the same day he announced the agreement. In a second Truth Social post, he wrote: "This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region." He also hinted that a more comprehensive peace agreement with Iran would follow. "Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me," he wrote. "The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace."
Sharif said the official signing ceremony will take place in Switzerland on Friday, June 19. He credited Qatar's leadership as a co-mediator alongside Pakistan. "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," Sharif wrote.
Iran had made an end to fighting between Israel and Lebanon a condition for any deal with the United States. Trump condemned a deadly Israeli strike in Lebanon on Sunday morning. Israel, which is not a party to the U.S.-Iran agreement, has said it is targeting Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. There was no immediate reaction from Israel after the deal was announced.
Leaders across the Middle East and Europe welcomed the agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron said talks among G7 leaders meeting in Evian would focus on the long-term reopening of Hormuz. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called the deal a "critical step." His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said he hopes parties will build on the momentum and "redouble their efforts towards a final resolution of the conflict." Trump's statements on Sunday did not reference Iran's nuclear program.
