The United States (US) and Iran have electronically signed a preliminary agreement aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for broader negotiations, although key details of the accord remain unclear.
US President Donald Trump announced that the agreement had been signed, describing it as an important step toward ending months of conflict that has destabilized the Gulf region and disrupted global energy markets. The deal is expected to extend the existing ceasefire by another 60 days and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies passes.
Speaking after arriving in France for a G7 summit, Trump said a formal signing ceremony would take place in Geneva later this week. US Vice President JD Vance described the memorandum as a brief and general document, adding that further details would be released in the coming days.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the memorandum as an important move toward reducing tensions but stressed that negotiations for a permanent truce were still pending. Both sides have indicated that more complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, will be addressed in future talks.
US officials said the agreement could eventually lead to sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and economic assistance for reconstruction efforts. However, Washington maintains that Tehran must provide assurances that it will not pursue nuclear weapons and must curb support for regional armed groups.
Despite the announcement, several unresolved issues remain, including the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian officials have called for a complete halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue defending its security interests.
The agreement has raised hopes for de-escalation, but its long-term success will depend on future negotiations and implementation of any final peace settlement.