US, Iran electronically sign agreement; formal ceremony set for Friday

An agreement between the United States and Iran has been electronically signed, a US official confirmed, signaling a potential de-escalation of tensions. President Trump desired to sign it personally to demonstrate his commitment to a successful resolution.

The official signing ceremony is slated to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday. This follows Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement that both parties would sign the deal after the annual G7 summit concludes in Évian, France. An Iranian deputy foreign minister also indicated that further discussions would occur post-ceremony.

While the specifics are expected to be released within 24 to 48 hours, reports suggest Iran may seek to impose fees on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day grace period outlined in the agreement. This potential move contradicts US claims of ensuring "free passage" through the vital waterway.

Iranian officials have been ambiguous about the transit fee plans, with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson not clearly confirming such intentions. However, they reiterated Tehran's position on potentially implementing fees for navigation services and environmental protection measures. Such charges could conflict with international maritime law and the spirit of the US-brokered deal, possibly serving as leverage in future negotiations.