Donald Trump announced Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will fully reopen by Friday. His statement came after Washington and Tehran reached a breakthrough deal to halt Middle East hostilities.
Speaking before a G7 summit in France, Trump declared the waterway would be "completely open" starting Friday. He added he didn't believe much effort would be required to keep it that way.
Earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social that oil-laden ships were beginning to depart the strait. Iran had sealed off this critical passage since fighting erupted in late February.
The agreement sparked widespread relief across global markets and diplomatic circles. Months of bloodshed and economic turmoil had ravaged the region.
Washington and Pakistan, acting as mediator, said the accord would be formally signed Friday in Switzerland. But a senior US administration official revealed something different on Monday.
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had already electronically signed the document, the official told reporters anonymously. The president wanted a personal signing ceremony to demonstrate his commitment, he explained.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi characterized the deal as putting an "immediate end" to hostilities. He indicated Tehran would pursue a "final agreement" within sixty days of talks.
Iran's military called it a victory, claiming they'd "humiliated" the US and Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian labeled it "a great achievement" for the entire region.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei struck a more cautious tone, however. He said Iran maintained "deep mistrust" of America and viewed the framework as merely "a step towards reducing tensions."
Baqaei demanded that Washington guarantee Israel's compliance with ceasefire terms in Lebanon. He warned the US must honor its commitments on this front.
Lebanon had entered the conflict in early March when Hezbollah, backed by Iran, attacked Israel. This retaliation followed the killing of Iran's supreme leader and triggered an Israeli invasion.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared his forces would stay in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely. Israeli lawmakers across the political spectrum rejected the agreement.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun expressed hope the deal would end Israel-Hezbollah fighting permanently. Hezbollah thanked Iran for insisting Lebanon be included in negotiations.
Lebanese state media reported an Israeli airstrike in the south killed one person after the announcement. It marked the first deadly attack since the deal was revealed.
Many specifics of the agreement remain shrouded in mystery. Baqaei said Washington had "committed" to unfreezing Iranian assets and providing war compensation.
Iran's Mehr news agency had reported earlier that the US would release $12 billion in frozen funds. This would occur before final nuclear discussions begin between the parties.
Baqaei indicated Iran would seek UN Security Council ratification once negotiations conclude. Tehran plans to tackle its nuclear program during these final talks.
The deal's finer points could spark serious contention moving forward. Both sides have expressed vastly different interpretations of what they've agreed to accomplish.
