Iran and US Agree on Ceasefire, Signing Set for June 19

Iran and the United States have announced they have reached an agreement to end hostilities in their conflict.

According to Iran's National Security Council, a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding between the two nations is scheduled for June 19. Earlier, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kasem Gharibabadi had declared an immediate end to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, on state television. The agreement also includes the complete and immediate lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.

Under the terms of the agreement, final negotiations can only commence after the United States has fulfilled its commitments outlined in the memorandum. In the final hours, news agencies close to Iran had reported that Tehran's decision-making process in the negotiations was still ongoing, with the examination of political, legal, and technical aspects continuing.

The negotiations, mediated in part by Pakistan, have now resulted in a preliminary accord. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) welcomed the agreement. "The agreement can pave the way for the recovery of the world economy and the stabilization of the region," Merz stated. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for free navigation. Furthermore, he demanded that Iran's military nuclear program must be verifiably ended.

Mediators in the talks include, in addition to Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Reports confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had also confirmed the peace agreement, ordering the immediate reversal of the maritime blockade.