The United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement to end their 15-week conflict, with plans to finalize the deal later this week. The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, and initiates a 60-day period of technical talks to address contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and potential sanctions relief.
Details of the Agreement
The framework outlines an immediate 60-day negotiation period, during which technical experts from both nations will work to resolve ongoing disputes. Iran’s deputy foreign minister emphasized that a broader agreement, including sanctions relief, remains a priority for Tehran.
Domestic Reactions
In Iran, hardliners have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the framework does not guarantee the lifting of sanctions or compensation for damages incurred during the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister has stated that Israeli forces will maintain their presence in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely to protect against jihadist threats. Israel was notably excluded from the negotiations, despite its initial involvement in the conflict alongside the US.
"I have no doubt that the president of the US is going to be very supportive of anything that I ultimately decide to do," said a US official involved in the talks.
The agreement offers a tentative path toward de-escalation in the Middle East, though significant challenges remain before a final resolution can be achieved.