Trump Declares Iran Deal 'Now Complete', Hormuz Opens, Naval Blockade Lifted

In one of the most consequential diplomatic announcements in years, President Donald Trump declared on Sunday evening that the deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Writing on Truth Social on his 80th birthday, Trump stated he was fully authorizing the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade of Iranian ports. "Ships of the World, start your engines," he wrote, in a message that ricocheted through global energy markets and trading floors within minutes. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the agreement from Tehran, making it official from both sides.

In its current form, the memorandum of understanding establishes a 60-day ceasefire, the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, the suspension of US sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and the release of approximately $24 billion in previously frozen Iranian assets. Iran's news agency Mehr reported that the agreement also includes an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland, with the Pakistani prime minister, who played a central mediating role alongside Qatar, confirming the date and expressing confidence that the agreement marks the foundation for lasting peace.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement as a critical step toward resolving the war in the Middle East, urging both parties to build on the momentum and redouble efforts toward a final resolution. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among Western leaders to formally welcome the accord. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that he and Trump are in full agreement that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, but notably stated that Israel is not a party to the negotiated deal, signaling that the accord's regional dimensions remain unresolved.

Significant questions remain about implementation. The Strait of Hormuz is understood to contain mines laid during the conflict, and full commercial traffic restoration will require coordinated demining operations involving US and allied naval forces. Key issues, including Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, its ballistic missile program, and the future of its regional proxy networks, are not resolved by the memorandum of understanding and will be subject to negotiations during the 60 day window. Trump told the Wall Street Journal the deal includes an Iranian commitment not to obtain a nuclear weapon, though he expressed no urgency on extracting nuclear material immediately.