US‑Iran ceasefire memorandum signed, opens Strait of Hormuz and lifts sanctions

On 17 June the United States and Iran signed a 14‑point memorandum of understanding, with President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian committing to an immediate and permanent end to hostilities in the region, including the Israel‑Lebanon and Gaza wars. The deal suspends U.S. sanctions, lifts the naval blockade on Iranian ports and guarantees free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Iran agrees not to develop nuclear weapons and to allow periodic IAEA inspections, while the parties have 60 days to negotiate a final peace accord that could be extended. A reconstruction fund of at least US$ 300 billion for Iran is outlined, and the management of the Strait of Hormuz will involve Iran, Oman and Gulf‑coast states.

The agreement sparked divergent reactions. U.S. media highlighted perceived concessions to Tehran; French officials condemned the deal as hypocritical, while China urged Israel not to sabotage its implementation. Brazil officially welcomed the pact and called for an end to all regional hostilities. Iranian officials accused the United States of bearing direct responsibility for Israeli attacks on Lebanon and warned that any breach would test the memorandum. Analysts described the arrangement as a cease‑fire rather than a comprehensive peace, noting that deeper conflict drivers remain unresolved.