The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary peace agreement, ending months of conflict in the Middle East, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19 in Switzerland, according to statements from both Washington and Islamabad.
United States President Donald Trump announced the deal on his Truth Social platform, declaring an end to hostilities in the region and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!,” Trump said.
“I hereby fully authorise the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!,” he added.
Trump’s announcement of the peace deal was immediately confirmed by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who said the end of military operations would be declared across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
He also noted that negotiations on a final agreement between Iran and the US would continue over a 60-day period, though other details of the deal, including whether Tehran could proceed with its nuclear programme, have not yet been made public.
“The text of the memorandum of understanding will be published shortly, and the public will be able to see Iran’s achievements and commitments,” Gharibabadi said, according to Iran International news website.
“Our commitments are not comparable to our gains.”
Pakistan, which acted as the mediator of the peace talks, also confirmed the agreement, saying it followed intensive diplomatic efforts involving multiple regional partners.
Islamabad then thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye for their roles in facilitating the US-Iran dialogue.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: German asylum benefits cuts violate EU law, top court rules
Positive trend for stock markets
Following the announcement of a US-Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, global stock markets rose on Monday.
In particular, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index led gains, jumping 5.5 percent, while South Korea’s Kospi climbed as much as 5.7 percent.
US stock futures also moved higher, with S&P 500 futures rising about 1 percent and Nasdaq Composite futures gaining around 1.8 percent.
Meanwhile, Brent crude fell about 4.5 percent to below USD83.40 per barrel as easing geopolitical tensions reduced concerns over supply disruptions.
READ MORE: Philippines convenes senior ASEAN officials to boost regional co-operation
Nations welcome peace deal
World leaders have hailed the newly announced US–Iran peace deal, describing it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough that could ease long-standing tensions in the Middle East.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Qatar expressed its appreciation for the “determination of both the American and Iranian sides and their commitment to moving forward in resolving differences through negotiations and peaceful means”.
Doha also reaffirmed its full support for all efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
Saudi Arabia also welcomed the agreement and commended the mediation efforts undertaken by the US, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, meanwhile, congratulated Washington and Tehran for reaching a peace deal and called it a “critical step” toward the peaceful settlement of the conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that, now that a peace deal has been reached, the focus must turn to ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open, while also finalising the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement.
READ NEXT: French top court to hear Agent Orange lawsuit on June 16
Eleni Poulios 
Rosemarie Zamora 
Mary Mae Balasanos