US-Iran ceasefire deal details emerge; permanent truce awaits negotiation

The United States and Iran have inked an interim agreement to halt the Middle East conflict, extending a fragile ceasefire for another 60 days and permitting Iran to resume oil sales. President Donald Trump announced the deal would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while a US official confirmed Iran could sell oil upon signing.

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The agreement states clearly that Tehran will not have a nuclear weapon and the full text would be made public in a formal setting in a few days.

The memorandum of understanding, though not yet public, also involves the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. In return, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers and other maritime traffic, which it had effectively blocked since late February. Iran has consistently maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it will not develop nuclear weapons.

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The agreement included Israel and Lebanon, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Monday that Israel is not bound by it, and will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.

The accord, however, exposes Trump to criticism from within his own Republican party ahead of the November midterm elections. Iranian leaders may also face renewed protests if the war's economic toll is not eased. Israel, which has not directly participated in negotiations, has distanced itself from the agreement, casting doubt on the ceasefire's longevity. The conflict has claimed over 7,000 lives, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

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The group believed Iran would not agree to a permanent truce if the Israeli occupation was not ended.

Contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israel is not bound by the deal, US Vice President JD Vance stated the agreement included Israel and Lebanon. A Hezbollah spokesperson indicated the group would not accept a permanent truce without an end to the Israeli occupation. Iran's military command warned Israel of a severe response if its attacks on southern Lebanon continued. A senior US official noted the deal allows Iran to immediately sell oil and fuel, with banking, transportation, and insurance services to facilitate these transactions. The agreement could eventually lead to significant economic benefits for Iran through sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets, potentially including a $300 billion reconstruction fund from neighboring Gulf states.

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Israel should expect a hard response if it did not stop its attacks on southern Lebanon.