The United States and Iran announced a ceasefire agreement, marking the effective end of their conflict after 106 days. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two nations is set to be officially signed in Switzerland on June 19, with discussions on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief planned for the following 60 days. However, concerns remain about significant differences in positions between the two sides, which could complicate the final agreement.
President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on his social media platform Truth Social at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on June 14, stating, "The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete."
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), which determines the country's security policy, confirmed the agreement to end the war. In a statement, the SNSC said, "The MOU regarding the ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the U.S. has been finalized with SNSC approval," and noted that the official signing is scheduled for June 19.
The signing ceremony is expected to take place in Switzerland. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has mediated the negotiations, announced on X (formerly Twitter), "I am pleased to announce that after intensive discussions, a peace agreement has been reached between the U.S. and Iran," adding that the official signing will occur on Friday, June 19.
There is speculation that President Trump may attend the signing ceremony while visiting France for the G7 summit from June 15 to 17. U.S. Vice President JD Vance mentioned in a Fox News interview that it is possible for the president to be present at the signing.
Strait of Hormuz, Nuclear Issues, and Lebanon Present Challenges
Once the ceasefire agreement is signed, the Strait of Hormuz, a key point of contention, is expected to reopen. The MOU disclosed by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency includes provisions for the "lifting of the U.S. naval blockade within 30 days" and the "reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days based on actions taken by Iran." President Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened immediately upon the signing of the ceasefire agreement on June 19, and he has ordered the end of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. He also mentioned in a phone interview with The New York Times that the toll imposed by Iran on passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be "permanently waived."
This development is expected to release approximately 600 ships and 60 million barrels of oil and petroleum products currently trapped in the Gulf. However, there are predictions that it may take time to normalize operations in the Strait of Hormuz due to logistical procedures such as mine clearance and safety inspections, as many vessels are waiting in the waterway. Additionally, Iran has indicated that it and Oman will manage the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it may still seek to exert control over the area, adding to the uncertainty.
The issue of Iran's nuclear development and sanctions relief has been pushed to subsequent negotiations. The two sides plan to engage in discussions over the next 60 days regarding the limitations on Iran's nuclear activities and the scope of sanctions relief. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that a more comprehensive agreement, including sanctions relief, will be negotiated during the ceasefire period. In contrast, President Trump emphasized in his interview with The New York Times that if Iran fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the U.S., airstrikes against Iran would resume, asserting that the U.S. will remain the "guardian of the Middle East."
The situation in Lebanon also remains a variable. The ceasefire MOU includes a clause for a "permanent and immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon." Gharibabadi stated on Iranian state television that the war with the U.S. has been declared to have ended "permanently and immediately on all fronts, including Lebanon."
However, Israel, which has frequently attacked Lebanon, appears to be distancing itself from this clause. Israeli media outlet Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed President Trump that Israel is not bound by the Lebanon-related provisions of the U.S.-Iran agreement and will not withdraw from Lebanon.
Moreover, both the U.S. and Iran must address internal dissent before reaching a final agreement, according to The Wall Street Journal. While the ceasefire negotiations have made significant progress, the potential for renewed conflict in the Middle East remains, depending on the outcomes of future negotiations. Bloomberg noted that both sides have interpreted the announcement of the agreement through different lenses, highlighting the challenges of resolving key issues.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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