US and Iran reach tentative agreement on ending ongoing conflict

US President Donald Trump Announces Agreement with Iran, Israel

A memorandum of understanding has been reached between the United States and Iran, which could bring an immediate halt to hostilities in the region. The agreement includes an immediate suspension of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

According to reports, a signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. Iranian officials have stated that the deal will end the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, “immediately and permanently” as of tonight.

US President Trump has expressed his support for the agreement, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “very thankful” to the US for securing the deal. However, Trump also criticized Netanyahu’s recent strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which he claimed nearly derailed the agreement.

Financial markets have welcomed the announcement, with expectations growing that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will resume soon. The White House has not yet released the reported 14-point memorandum of understanding, and details published by Iran’s Mehr news agency have not been independently verified.

Analysts say the agreement appears to reduce immediate violence, reopen shipping lanes, and provide space for further negotiations. However, significant questions remain over whether Israel will abide by the agreement and what will be decided about Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and other issues.

A ceasefire by Israel in Lebanon is included in the agreement, but it is unclear whether this would also require Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The fate of more than 3,000 people killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since early March and over one million displaced from their homes remains uncertain.

The US Defence Minister has stated that Israel will maintain its military presence in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for an unlimited period to protect the border and Israeli communities. Iranian officials have suggested that Netanyahu’s recent attack may have accelerated negotiations with Washington and secured additional concessions from Trump.

Source: Al Jazeera