US, Iran reach initial deal to close conflict

The United States and Iran announced an initial agreement to end their ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions in the Gulf region after three months of fighting. The deal, mediated by Pakistan, will be signed on Friday in Switzerland, though Iran confirmed it will not begin implementation until the signing. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the toll-free opening of the strait and the removal of the U.S. naval blockade but later clarified these actions would take effect only after the signing. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television, stating it followed negotiations with Qatar, another key mediator. Preparatory meetings will continue in Doha this week ahead of the formal signing. The United Nations welcomed the deal as a critical step toward a peaceful settlement, though Israel—absent from the talks—criticized the agreement and launched a strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that both sides have agreed to terminate military operations immediately, including in Lebanon, where Israel’s invasion has deepened. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council later stated that the war would end permanently from midnight, though the U.S. blockade will only be lifted upon signing. The deal does not yet name Iran’s signatory, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested President Trump may attend. Negotiations on outstanding issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief, will continue over the next 60 days, according to Pakistani officials. If unresolved, the timeline may be extended. The agreement aims to restore pre-war conditions but follows widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Israel has not commented publicly but remains engaged in military operations in Lebanon.