US-Iran Peace deal near finalisation as Trump announces Hormuz reopening

A major diplomatic breakthrough appears to be underway in the Middle East after the United States and Iran announced that they have reached a framework peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and restoring stability to the region. The proposed deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on June 19.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement includes the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the US naval blockade on Iran. The move is expected to ease disruptions in global energy supplies and has already triggered a sharp decline in oil prices.

According to reports, the framework calls for an immediate halt to military operations between the US and Iran, while broader negotiations on issues such as Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and regional security will continue during a proposed 60-day negotiation period.

However, significant challenges remain. Israel has reportedly expressed reservations about aspects of the agreement, particularly provisions related to Lebanon and Hezbollah. Israeli military operations against Hezbollah-linked targets have continued, raising concerns about the long-term durability of the peace framework.

European leaders, the United Nations, Qatar, and Pakistan have welcomed the breakthrough while stressing that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. Analysts have cautioned that key disputes remain unresolved and that the success of the agreement will depend on future negotiations and compliance by all parties.

Financial markets reacted positively to the development, with oil prices falling and investor sentiment improving amid hopes that one of the region's most significant geopolitical crises may be moving toward a diplomatic resolution.