US and Iran to sign Middle East peace deal in Geneva June 19

The United States and Iran are poised to sign a comprehensive agreement in Geneva on June 19, aiming to permanently end the war in the Middle East on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Pakistani mediator announced the breakthrough, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to attend the signing ceremony.

A key provision of the accord is the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route. This development has prompted the E4 nations, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, to express their readiness to lift certain sanctions against Iran. In a joint statement, these European leaders declared their commitment to working with the US and Iran, alongside the IAEA, to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. They are prepared to remove relevant sanctions in exchange for clear and verifiable Iranian measures concerning its nuclear program.

Iranian state television reported that Iran considers itself a major victor in the war, with Vice Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that the enemy's objectives were thwarted and the Islamic Republic achieved significant wins. Meanwhile, Mehr news agency reported on a 14-point memorandum of understanding, which allegedly includes the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The document reportedly outlines the unfreezing of $24 billion over a 60-day negotiation period, with half to be made available before talks begin, though this has not been officially confirmed.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, calling it a "crucial step toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict" and thanking the mediating countries, including Pakistan. The news has already impacted global markets, with crude oil prices plunging approximately 4% in early Asian trading following the announcement.