While details remain scant, there are claims from multiple sources that a peace deal has finally been reached in the war between Iran and the United States, after nearly four months of fighting.
In an announcement that appears to have been designed to coincide with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday (and the United States’ 250th), the two parties say they have reached a 60-day memorandum of understanding which includes a complete ceasefire (including Israel’s attacks on Lebanon), reopening of the Strait of Hormuz (including mine removal), sanctions relief and discussions of Iran’s nuclear program.
With both sides claiming victory in the war, the MOU appears to be a face-saving exercise more than anything else, with many issues remaining unresolved.
Pakistan’s prime minister and peace negotiator Shehbaz Sharif said the immediate result would be the termination of military operations on all front, including in Lebanon. ‘Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED.’
Happy birthday
Having started the war which closed the Strait of Hormuz and killed perhaps 17,000 people so far, US president Donald Trump said on his Truth Social site: ‘Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!’
Even while this latest peace deal was being negotiated, Israel struck Beirut with fresh air strikes on Sunday, following an attack from Hezbollah.
Holding the US at least partially responsible, Iran’s lead negotiator Mohammed-Bagher Ghalibaf said, ‘America either lacks the will to fulfil its commitments or the ability to do so.’
The deputy commander of Iran’s joint command headquarters, General Mohammed Jafar Asadi, said ‘these crimes will not go unanswered.’
Barring further complications, a formal signing ceremony for the peace agreement is expected to take place in Switzerland within days.
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