The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the Middle East war that began on February 28 and has lasted for more than 100 days.
“The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.
U.S. and Pakistani mediators stated that the agreement will be formally signed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, following a series of pre-implementation meetings.
“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,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote.
“I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye for their immense contributions in this regard. With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony,” he added.
According to officials, the agreement was approved through a virtual signing process, with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance signing on behalf of the United States and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signing on behalf of Tehran. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Geneva on June 19.
Saudi Arabia and other regional powers welcomed the agreement, while some observers expressed skepticism, warning that it could lead to renewed tensions if it fails.
Few details of the agreement have been made public. Among the provisions announced was the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and, simultaneously, authorize the immediate removal of the United States naval blockade ships. People of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” President Trump wrote.
“Many presidents have tried to make peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The leaders of the region have, for the first time, found a president who can help them achieve real peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the deal on Friday, for the purpose of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends for the region and the world,” he added.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the ceasefire agreement could mark a “new era” in the Middle East and praised Trump for securing the deal.
“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region. And now, hopefully, a new era with the Iranians. I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. This is just a great thing for the American people,” Vance said.
He added that he hoped energy prices would decrease and that he planned to attend the signing ceremony in Switzerland.
However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza despite the ceasefire announcement.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are pursuing a clear policy under which the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for an extended period of time in order to protect Israel’s borders and Israeli communities from jihadist elements,” Katz said.
– By Daisy Achieng
