US President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran has been finalised, declaring in a social media post that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete”.
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Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen with immediate effect and that the US naval blockade would be lifted.
“Congratulations to all!” he wrote. “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.”
The president also celebrated the expected resumption of maritime traffic and oil exports, posting, “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Trump's announcement came just hours before a UFC event at the White House being held to mark his 80th birthday.
"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US president wrote on this platform Truth Social.
Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, taking a cautious stance and refraining to toe Trump's exact lines, said talks on a comprehensive deal would continue over the next 60 days, with the removal of sanctions expected to be the main focus of negotiations
He, however, said that Tehran's obligations under the newly announced understanding with the United States will come into force on Friday.
Gharibabadi said Iran would move to the next stage of discussions only after its frozen assets are released, the US-led blockade is lifted and the conflict is formally declared over.
He also said that Iran included all “important positions” in the draft of the memorandum of understanding, adding that the text will be published after the official ceremony scheduled for Friday.
“This memorandum of understanding does not mean trusting the enemy,” Gharibabadi said in remarks carried by Tasnim news agency. “We will monitor the implementation of US commitments,” he said.
Just mintues before the Trump's official declaration, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had already made the agreement official, stating that the "United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED".
Sharif said the official signing ceremony would take place in Switzerland on June 19. However, neither the United States nor Iran has shared details of the proposed agreement or its signing.
"Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and 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," Pakistan PM declared mintues before Trump's annoucement.
