The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary US-Iran ceasefire agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and restoring stability to global energy markets, officials from both countries said.
The framework agreement marks the most significant breakthrough since the war began in February following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, disrupted regional security, and shaken international oil markets.
Pakistan played a key mediating role in the negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that both sides had agreed to an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. He said the formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 19.
Sharif thanked the leadership of Qatar for helping facilitate the negotiations and also acknowledged the contributions of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in supporting efforts to reach an agreement.
According to the prime minister, mediators will oversee a series of meetings this week to prepare for technical discussions and the formal signing of the accord.
US President Donald Trump also confirmed the breakthrough, describing the deal as complete in a post on his Truth Social platform. A memorandum of understanding is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland later this week.
While the exact terms of the agreement have not yet been released, Iranian officials confirmed that military operations would permanently cease from Monday night. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said broader negotiations would continue during a 60-day ceasefire period, including discussions on sanctions relief and other unresolved issues.
One of the most important subjects still to be addressed is Iran’s nuclear program. Officials from both sides are expected to negotiate the future of Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities and the status of existing stockpiles during upcoming talks.
Israel, which was not directly involved in the US-Iran negotiations, did not immediately comment on the announcement.
A major outcome of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports. Trump said the waterway would reopen on Friday and announced the end of the US blockade of Iranian ports.
Financial markets responded positively to the news. Brent crude oil prices fell around 4 percent in early trading on Monday, while stock markets across Asia moved higher as investors welcomed the prospect of reduced geopolitical tensions.
The conflict has had significant economic consequences since its outbreak. Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and US measures against Iranian ports contributed to higher energy prices and concerns about global supply chains.
The agreement also carries political implications in the United States. Rising fuel prices and concerns over the prolonged conflict have become increasingly sensitive issues ahead of upcoming elections. At the same time, some lawmakers continue to insist that any final settlement must ensure strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that any future nuclear agreement with Iran would be closely reviewed by Congress.
European powers also reacted positively. Britain, Germany, France, and Italy said they would consider lifting sanctions on Iran if Tehran takes clear and verifiable steps to limit its nuclear program. They also emphasized the importance of restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Negotiators are expected to use the coming weeks to address the most difficult issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and long-term regional security arrangements. The success of those talks will determine whether the current ceasefire develops into a lasting peace agreement.