The Bengal Story Bureau: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a preliminary peace agreement has been reached to end the more than 100-day war with Iran, promising the complete reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz by Friday. The memorandum of understanding, set to be formally signed in Geneva, includes an immediate ceasefire across multiple fronts in West Asia, sending global crude oil prices tumbling.
The diplomatic breakthrough aims to ease the severe global energy crisis sparked by the conflict. The United States has agreed to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Tehran has committed to halting military operations and clearing mines from the vital shipping corridor.
Formal Signing in Geneva
The preliminary agreement was signed virtually by Trump, US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
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Trump indicated he would not attend the Geneva ceremony, stating Vance will represent the United States. US administration officials confirmed that the complete details of the 14-point framework will be released shortly after the formal signing.
Under the agreed terms, the Strait of Hormuz will see a gradual resumption of maritime traffic. Trump asserted that ships have already started moving and that the strait will be completely open and toll-free by the end of the week.
The Israel-Lebanon Complication
While the truce includes provisions for a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a defiant stance. In his first public address following the deal, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria for as long as necessary.
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The fragility of the ceasefire was exposed on Monday when an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon, resulting in one fatality. The Hezbollah militant group responded by firing rockets at an Israeli force attempting to advance in the area.
Despite the continuing hostilities on the Israeli border, Hezbollah has broadly welcomed the US-Iran understanding, warning that any Israeli attacks violating Lebanese sovereignty will meet proportionate responses.
The Nuclear Clause and Global Energy Relief
A central element of the US narrative involves Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump repeated his assertion that Tehran has agreed to never possess a nuclear weapon, claiming the deal includes strong policing powers to ensure compliance. However, Iranian officials have historically insisted that any agreement must respect their rights under international law, and technical talks on uranium stockpiles are expected to follow.
The financial markets reacted swiftly to the prospect of normalized shipping. Brent crude oil prices dropped below 84 dollars a barrel in Asian trading as the threat of prolonged supply disruption faded.
India Seeks Answers on Sailor Deaths
While Western leaders at the G7 summit in France welcomed the economic relief, the diplomatic atmosphere remains tense for India. Public anger is mounting over Washington’s refusal to issue a formal apology for the deaths of Indian commercial sailors who were killed during earlier US strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The unresolved issue threatens to overshadow bilateral engagements as leaders from both nations convene at the G7 summit this week.
