Trump says new US-Iran war deal is complete

US President Donald Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz will be “opening for business very shortly”, reported the Middle East Eye and agencies on June 14th.  

Trump confirmed the Iran deal “is now complete”, and an end to the U.S naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz has been authorised. 

“Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said “I fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Since February 28th, the US-Israeli war on Iran is estimated to have cost the US $25 billion, according to the Department of War.

In March, Pentagon officials warned that the US and Israel were “burning through” missile interceptor supplies.

The war also disrupted key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Iranian official media said Tehran forced the US to accept a peace deal, and an official statement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council is expected soon.

Marine traffic will be regulated by Iran through the Gulf in coordination with Oman under the emerging ceasefire.   

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister, said the immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations on various fronts, including Lebanon, would be announced the night of June 14th, alongside the end of the US naval blockade. 

On June 12th, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran insisted on retaining both its uranium enrichment programme and its existing stockpile of enriched material during negotiations. These provisions formed a central part of the final deal with Washington.

The text of the memorandum of understanding will be published after the official signing; however, the deputy foreign minister advised that the agreement does not mean Tehran trusts the “enemy.”

He added that negotiations for a final deal will take place over 60 days and warned Iran would take its own measures if any breaches are seen from the other side. 

Iran’s military power and threats helped finalise the text; Gharibabadi said Tehran did not agree to the memorandum until its final demands were included. 

Gharibabadi confirmed that mediators will remain involved as negotiations continue, and the formal signing ceremony will take place in Switzerland on June 19th. 

Middle East Eye and agencies, Maghrebi.org