Trump announces US-Iran ceasefire deal, Strait of Hormuz to reopen

United States President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Washington and Tehran had reached a ceasefire agreement to immediately end hostilities, with Iran later confirming the development and paving the way for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The agreement, later confirmed by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, marks a major diplomatic breakthrough after months of heightened tensions in the region.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

In a separate post, Trump described the accord as a historic achievement that would bring “Peace and Security to the whole Region”, while suggesting that a broader peace arrangement with Iran could follow.

“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace,” he wrote.

Trump said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz upon the signing of the agreement would restore the flow of oil through one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

The US president also told The New York Times that Washington could restart military operations if necessary or become “the guardian of the Middle East” in exchange for 20% of the region’s revenues, although it was not immediately clear whether the interview took place before or after the ceasefire announcement.

The announcement came shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a peace agreement had been reached to end fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Sharif wrote on X.

He said an official signing ceremony would take place in Switzerland later this week and thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for their roles in mediation efforts.

“We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” Sharif said.

Qatar welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step towards sustainable peace and regional economic growth. The Gulf nation said the memorandum of understanding addressed outstanding issues between Washington and Tehran, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the development and said attention must now shift to fully implementing the agreement and ensuring the Strait remains permanently open.

“The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is essential for regional stability and the global economy,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised the diplomatic breakthrough and called for its swift implementation by all parties, while reiterating France’s support for efforts to stabilise Lebanon.

US Vice President JD Vance described the ceasefire as the beginning of a “new era” in the Middle East and credited Trump with creating space for broader regional transformation.

“I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said. “This is just a great thing for the American people.”

The ceasefire announcement follows days of speculation that an agreement was imminent and comes amid hopes that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will help ease pressure on global energy markets and reduce tensions across the region.