The United States and Iran, with Pakistan serving as a mediator, have announced a preliminary agreement aimed at ending their ongoing conflict.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both nations have agreed to an immediate and permanent ceasefire, stopping all military activities right away. The parties plan to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Switzerland on Friday, which will mark the formal commitment to end hostilities, with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabdi confirming that the MOU will then be made public.
According to both Iran and the U.S., the Strait of Hormuz will begin reopening, and the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports will be lifted promptly upon signing the agreement. Negotiations to address more complex issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions, are scheduled to continue over the next 60 days.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s ports, President Donald Trump announced that the strait would reopen on Friday, and he had ordered the lifting of the maritime blockade. An Iranian official confirmed that the Strait would be accessible to all commercial vessels following the signing. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that Iran, in coordination with Oman, would oversee the regulation of maritime traffic through the strait.
On Iran’s nuclear commitments, both sides agreed that Iran will not produce or acquire nuclear weapons—a promise Tehran has reiterated for decades. An Iranian official stated that, until a final agreement is reached, Iran will halt nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment and expanding nuclear facilities. Additionally, the U.S. has agreed that Iran can dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium within Iran under a future comprehensive deal. President Trump mentioned that there’s no rush to dismantle Iran’s nuclear stockpile and that the U.S. would do so when stability is restored, with a robust inspection regime potentially in place, though specifics remain unclear. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that any final deal would require congressional review and approval.
On sanctions and financial matters, Iran’s officials said the U.S. agreed not to impose new sanctions on Iran until the final deal is settled. The U.S. would suspend oil sanctions for a designated period, and upon reaching an agreement, all U.S. and UN sanctions would be lifted according to a mutually agreed timetable. Iran is set to receive approximately $25 billion of its frozen assets, which may be transferred directly, through regional partners, or via credit lines. The U.S., alongside regional allies, will develop a plan for Iran’s reconstruction and development within 60 days. President Trump clarified that Iran would not receive cash directly but that sanctions could be lifted in a way that facilitates financial transactions.
Regarding Lebanon, Sharif stated that the ceasefire applies there as well. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that all military operations would cease by Monday night, including in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for a complete halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, placing responsibility for implementation on the U.S. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that the Israeli military would maintain its presence in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly informing Trump of this stance.