US and Iran agree to end conflict after 106 days; disputes over Hormuz Strait opening remain

After 106 days of conflict, the United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to end hostilities, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland. This breakthrough comes amid mounting pressure on both nations due to the war's duration, escalating economic crises, and the looming threat of a wider conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the tentative deal on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "The deal with Iran is now complete." He emphasized the "full approval of the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade," urging global ships to "turn on your engines. Let the oil flow."

Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed the agreement, issuing a statement that the "memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States regarding the end of the war has been finalized." The statement indicated that "the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will cease immediately and permanently," and that "the naval blockade against Iran will be immediately and completely lifted."

“

The deal with Iran is now complete. Full approval of the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Turn on your engines. Let the oil flow.

However, the path to this agreement was fraught with tension. Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Iran had considered canceling negotiations and preparing for an attack following an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut the previous day. The deal was reportedly salvaged by last-minute concessions from President Trump.

Significant disagreements persist, particularly concerning the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump declared a "toll-free opening," Iran insists on maintaining its authority over the strait's navigation. Furthermore, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, set to begin within 60 days of the MOU signing, are expected to be challenging, with Iran demanding the release of frozen assets as a prerequisite, while the U.S. links asset release to Iran's compliance with its commitments.

“

The memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States regarding the end of the war has been finalized. The war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will cease immediately and permanently. The naval blockade against Iran will be immediately and completely lifted.