Let the oil flow: Trump announces completion of US-Iran peace deal, removes naval blockade on Hormuz

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”      The announcement came amid growing international efforts to end tensions in West Asia and follows days of intense diplomatic engagement involving Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been reached following extensive negotiations. Shehbaz Sharif said that both sides have also declared permanent termination of military operations in Lebanon.      The deal will be officially signed on June 19 in Switzerland.

In a post on X, Sharif stated, “Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”      “The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland. We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in this mediation effort, the great leadership of the State of Qatar, for their support in reaching this agreement. I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye for their immense contributions in this regard,” Sharif said…According to Axios, the strike in Beirut occurred shortly before the United States and Iran were expected to finalise the agreement. Trump had criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he was angered by the attack and believed it had complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts.      The US President maintained that the agreement would enhance regional security by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and by establishing stronger oversight mechanisms for Tehran’s nuclear programme, including inspections and the disposal of nuclear material.      While Trump and Sharif announced that an agreement had been reached, Iranian officials have not yet publicly confirmed the deal.      The deal marks a potential end to the conflict in the region, which began on February 28, with US and Israel strikes killing Iran’s erstwhile Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.