US, Iran reportedly reach ceasefire deal; move has clear de-escalatory effect, but uncertainties remain: Chinese experts

The US and Iran have reportedly finalized a ceasefire agreement to end their four-month military conflict, with an official signing scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) and stated that the US naval blockade against Iran will terminate starting Monday night, marking the immediate end of war and military operations, including in Lebanon. The deal was announced after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the talks, confirmed its completion on Monday. US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping route for oil and gas—would reopen on Friday, alongside the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Reuters reported that oil prices dropped sharply on the news, with Brent crude futures falling 4% and US West Texas Intermediate declining over 4.6%. Chinese experts noted the agreement’s de-escalatory effect but warned of lingering uncertainties, including potential obstacles from Israel and unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. Broader negotiations on nuclear issues will continue over the next 60 days, with possible extensions if no resolution is reached, according to two senior Pakistani officials cited by the Associated Press. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to stabilize energy markets and ease regional tensions, though experts like Sun Degang from Fudan University cautioned that implementation risks could arise. Zhu Yongbiao, a researcher, suggested that while the US and its allies may cooperate, Israel could pose challenges to the agreement’s success.