The United States and Iran have reached an agreement aimed at immediately ending the war in the Middle East after 108 days of conflict. The announced text covers all fronts, including Lebanon, and is to be signed on Friday, June 19, in Geneva. The announcement was made by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, mediator in the conflict, and subsequently confirmed by Washington and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz must reopen
The agreement provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, without transit fees, as well as the lifting of the US naval blockade. The full reopening is to take place after the signing, to allow for mine-clearing operations. This maritime passage is strategic: approximately one-fifth of the world's hydrocarbon trade passed through it before the blockade. The announcement immediately caused oil prices to fall by more than 4%, while the Tokyo and Seoul stock markets rose sharply.
Sixty days to finalize the agreement
The protocol has not yet been made public. Negotiations must begin within 60 days to reach a final agreement. Four key areas have already been identified: the lifting of sanctions against Iran, the nuclear program, the country's reconstruction and economic development, and a mechanism for monitoring commitments. A report by an Iranian media outlet mentioning the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets has been published, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Lebanon included in the ceasefire
The most sensitive aspect concerns Lebanon. Tehran claims the agreement ends military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. This announcement comes after an Israeli raid that killed three people in Beirut's southern suburbs and after direct tensions between Washington and Israel over the strike. Israel says it was responding to Hezbollah drone attacks.
Geneva becomes the tipping point
The signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Geneva. US Vice President JD Vance has indicated he will attend, while the presence of Donald Trump It remains possible. The final text will have to confirm the military, economic and nuclear commitments already announced.
The G7 places Hormuz, Lebanon and nuclear power at the center
In Évian, the G7 is to examine the consequences of the agreement, including support for Lebanon, the lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the conclusion of an agreement on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy have stated their readiness to lift certain sanctions if Iran takes clear and verifiable steps regarding its nuclear program. They are also calling for complete freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and support a defensive mission for security and demining.
A war that began on February 28th
The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes against Iran. It ignited several fronts in the Middle East and resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. The agreement announced on June 15 marks the most significant political and military halt since the start of the war.
