US, Iran Sign Preliminary Deal to End Middle East War Amid Skepticism

Doubts linger over a preliminary US-Iran deal aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, as shippers anticipate weeks for confidence to return after any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding the agreement, which US President Donald Trump announced had been signed.

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The deal's all signed.

Details of the interim agreement have not yet been made public, but both countries confirmed a permanent truce is still under negotiation. The deal extends a fragile ceasefire, initially announced in April, for another 60 days and includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway has been effectively blocked by Iran since February, following attacks by the US and Israel. The next phase of talks, scheduled during the 60-day window, will address complex issues such as Iran's nuclear program.

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The deal's all signed.

However, two significant issues that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited as justifications for the war, ending Iran's support for regional armed proxies and curbing its missile program, are reportedly not on the agenda for these immediate negotiations. Trump stated, "The deal's all signed," ahead of a G7 summit in France, adding that Vice President JD Vance would attend a formal signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday. Details are expected to be released over the next two days, according to US officials.

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an "important step" toward stopping the fighting but noted a final deal for a lasting truce "has yet to take shape."

While oil prices initially fell, they later stabilized. The conflict has resulted in at least 7,000 deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has disrupted global energy markets. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the interim agreement as an "important step" toward halting the fighting, but cautioned that a final deal for a lasting truce "has yet to take shape." Vance characterized the signed memorandum as a "very general document," while US officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that Iran must meet US demands regarding nuclear weapons and support for groups like Hezbollah to receive benefits.

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was a "very general document."