Published: 12:37 AM, 16 June 2026
US, Iran reach a deal to end war, reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement aimed at prolonging their fragile ceasefire and paving the way for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, though several key issues continue to threaten the deal's success, particularly ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon.
The agreement, brokered by Pakistan, is expected to be formally signed in Geneva on Friday. Until then, restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are likely to remain in place. The waterway, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has been largely disrupted during the conflict, contributing to a worldwide energy crunch.
While the framework has been welcomed internationally, uncertainty remains over Israel's military operations in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated on Monday that Israeli forces would not withdraw from territory captured in Lebanon and signaled that military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group would continue.
Although Israel joined the United States in launching military action against Iran on February 28, it is not a signatory to the newly announced agreement. Officials in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel would continue taking measures it deems necessary to protect its security.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that any comprehensive agreement to end the conflict must include a halt to fighting in Lebanon, making Israel's position a potential stumbling block.
Another major challenge concerns Iran's nuclear program. Under the tentative arrangement, negotiators have just 60 days to determine the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and address broader concerns surrounding its nuclear activities. The issue has long been a source of tension, with Washington and Israel fearing the material could be used to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
The compressed timeline contrasts sharply with the years of negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. That deal later unraveled after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from it during his first term.
Despite unresolved questions, leaders across Europe, Asia and the Middle East broadly welcomed the breakthrough, viewing it as a potential step toward ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and triggered economic disruptions well beyond the region.
Still, some observers cautioned against premature optimism. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel noted that considerable uncertainty remains before the expected signing date.
Trump, under growing domestic political pressure ahead of November's congressional elections, celebrated the agreement online, announcing that he had authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. He later clarified that those measures would only take effect after the agreement is formally signed.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also confirmed the existence of the agreement but stressed that Tehran would not begin implementation until the signing ceremony takes place.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent U.S. blockade significantly disrupted global energy markets. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas exports passed through the narrow maritime corridor. Industry analysts say it may take months for global energy supplies to fully stabilize even if shipping resumes.
Diplomatic preparations are set to continue this week in Doha, where Iranian and American officials are expected to hold preliminary meetings ahead of Friday's signing.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains a critical test for the agreement's durability. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs over the weekend nearly disrupted negotiations, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire effort.
Katz said Israel intends to maintain a military presence indefinitely in territories under its control in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. He also warned that any Iranian retaliation linked to Israeli operations in Lebanon would be met with a forceful response.
Officials in Netanyahu's office reiterated that Israel and the United States remain aligned in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while emphasizing that Israel will continue acting against threats posed by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has yet to publicly respond to the proposed agreement.
>>Agency
