The US naval blockade against Iran is set to be lifted starting tonight, with an announcement from Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declaring the immediate and permanent cessation of war and military activities, including in Lebanon. A peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States is scheduled to be signed in Switzerland on June 19, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Following the signing ceremony, the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen, according to information from Tasnim. Additionally, Iran’s state-run IRIB TV, referencing Gharibabadi, mentioned that Iran’s engagement in a 60-day negotiation period with the US regarding its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions will depend on the US meeting its initial commitments, subject to verification by Tehran.
Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced via social media that the US and Iran had reached a peace agreement after extensive talks. Both parties have agreed to halt military operations immediately and permanently, including in Lebanon, with mediators facilitating upcoming meetings to prepare for the agreement’s implementation.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the completion of the US-Iran peace deal on his Truth Social platform, authorizing the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate removal of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. However, Israel, through its Ma’ariv news site, reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed Israel’s non-commitment to the Lebanese clause in the agreement during a phone call with Trump.
The peace memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran was reached amidst tensions, with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warning of a potential response to an Israeli strike in Lebanon. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, the council’s secretary, emphasized Iran’s strong stance on Lebanon, stating that any violation of Iran’s red lines would not be tolerated.
