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Initial deal, 60 days
The United States and Iran signed an initial agreement that kicks off a 60-day period of negotiations on a final deal to end the war, with Iran’s supreme leader authorizing the signing despite holding a “different view,” he said in a statement.
“Jack Grey Live reporter The United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran as the US-Iran deal starts to take effect after being signed on Wednesday”
The agreement centers on 14 key points, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports that had been in place since April as the deal starts to take effect.
Vice President JD Vance told reporters that “It takes two to tango,” adding that if Iran does not hold up its end, “We still got all the cards.”
The BBC said the formal signing ceremony scheduled for tomorrow in Switzerland was cancelled, while the United States and Iran begin the 60-day negotiation period to reach what the agreement describes as the “final deal.”
In parallel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) downgraded the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to ‘moderate’ after the announced agreement to reopen the strategic waterway.
Competing reactions and quotes
Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the US agreement with Iran “a step in the right direction,” while acknowledging there will “continue to be a contentious conversation” over a final deal after top congressional leaders were briefed by the White House.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the agreement with Iran a “fiasco,” saying President Donald Trump “gave away the store,” and arguing that Democrats are not going to vote for any deal that includes $300 billion for rebuilding in Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he authorized the agreement despite initially disagreeing, and he accused Trump of making the deal out of “desperation.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran “did not trade its dignity” in making the deal with the US, praising diplomacy and “resilience,” as the BBC described the leadership statements following the agreement.
The Washington Post framed the memorandum as “a document of diplomatic loopholes,” saying Western officials and experts described hazy pledges to “undertake” steps in search of lasting peace.
What’s at stake next
The agreement sets in motion changes aimed at restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, removal of American forces, and demining of the critical waterway, USA Today said.
“• US-Iran agreement: The US and Iran have signed an initial agreement, kicking off a 60-day period of negotiations on a final deal to end the war”
CBS News reported that the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding meant to end the Middle East war with fighting halted on all fronts, including in Lebanon, while Israel continued limited strikes in Lebanon and Tehran said continued attacks would be a violation.
The Guardian reported that Trump signed a 14-point agreement and claimed it delivered a “major win,” while also describing political and financial concessions to reopen the strait of Hormuz and prevent a “worldwide depression.”
The Guardian also said the deal would provide financial incentives including the immediate lifting of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports and the issuance of waivers for Iranian crude oil to be shipped abroad, alongside the potential lifting of all international sanctions and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets.
In the next phase, CNN said the US and Iran were working on secret proposals for implementing the 14 points, including details on how to address the future of Iran’s nuclear program, as the formal signing ceremony in Switzerland was cancelled and a 60-day window for a final deal begins.
