Iran says those who started the war were defeated hugely
Aragchi says US ‘responsible’ for implementing draft deal, calls for Israeli attacks on Lebanon to stop
A major diplomatic breakthrough was announced on Monday as the United States and Iran confirmed that they had reached a preliminary framework agreement aimed at ending months of military conflict, reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and paving the way for broader negotiations on sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), which is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, was reportedly facilitated by Pakistan and has been welcomed by several regional and international powers as a significant step toward restoring stability in the Middle East.
Iran Claims Opponents Were Defeated
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei Stated during a press briefing that those who initiated the conflict had suffered a major defeat. He emphasized that respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity formed an important part of the understanding reached with Washington.
Baghaei explained that final decisions regarding the mechanism and format of signing the agreement would be made within the next two days before being officially announced. He also revealed that Iran planned a series of regional diplomatic visits before the agreement’s formal signing.
Addressing financial issues, Baghaei clarified that the United States had agreed to provide Iran with access to frozen Iranian assets rather than directly transferring money to Tehran. He further stated that Iran would coordinate with Oman and other regional countries to guarantee safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for a specified period, provided the United States fulfilled its obligations.
The Iranian spokesman warned that Tehran would respond with reciprocal measures if Washington failed to implement its commitments under the agreement.
Historical Distrust Remains
Baghaei highlighted the long-standing distrust between Iran and the United States, tracing its origins to the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected government.
According to him, the joint US-UK operation conducted in 1953 remains a major source of tension and suspicion in bilateral relations.
“We doubt the Americans because we had previous experiences with them that go back to 1953,” Baghaei said, adding that rebuilding trust would require substantial effort from Washington.
Iran Says US Must Implement Agreement
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that responsibility for implementing the agreement rests primarily with the United States.
During separate telephone conversations with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Araghchi emphasized the need to maintain diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting security and stability throughout the region.
The discussions reportedly focused on regional peace initiatives and the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire framework leads to lasting stability.
Hezbollah Halts Operations Following Agreement
A senior Hezbollah official told Reuters that the Lebanese group has not conducted any military operations since the announcement of the US-Iran agreement.
The official said Hezbollah’s position regarding the ceasefire depends on Israel’s compliance with its terms. He rejected any notion that Israel should retain unrestricted military freedom inside Lebanon and claimed that Iran delayed signing the agreement to monitor Israeli adherence to ceasefire commitments.
Although Hezbollah has not officially commented on the agreement, the remarks suggest cautious support for the peace process.
Details of the Preliminary Agreement
US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran had successfully concluded and described the agreement as complete. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government reportedly played a mediating role, also confirmed that an agreement had been reached.
According to preliminary information, the agreement includes:
An immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.
Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Removal of the US naval blockade against Iran.
A 60-day negotiation period to address sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.
Guarantees concerning Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mechanisms for monitoring implementation of the agreement.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that military operations on all fronts would cease permanently beginning Monday night.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that more comprehensive negotiations would continue during the ceasefire period.
Draft Agreement Includes Major Economic Concessions
Iranian media outlets published details of a reported 14-point draft agreement outlining several significant provisions.
Among the most notable measures are:
Suspension of restrictions on Iranian oil exports and petrochemical sales.
Release of approximately $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
Eventual lifting of US primary and secondary sanctions.
Potential termination of certain United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency resolutions related to Iran.
Reconstruction plans worth at least $300 billion to support Iran’s economy.
The draft also states that Iran’s missile program and support for regional resistance groups would be excluded from negotiations.
Nuclear Program Remains Central Issue
While the agreement establishes a framework for peace, the future of Iran’s nuclear program remains unresolved.
Negotiations during the upcoming 60-day period are expected to focus on:
- Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
- Management of existing enriched uranium stockpiles.
- International monitoring arrangements.
- Sanctions relief mechanisms.
Iran reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its position that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
However, major differences remain regarding whether Iran’s enrichment program should continue and how existing nuclear materials should be handled.
International Community Welcomes Agreement
The agreement received positive reactions from numerous countries.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE welcomed the deal and called for full compliance by all parties. Abu Dhabi emphasized the importance of protecting maritime trade routes and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the agreement as good news and urged both Iran and Israel to prevent further escalation in Lebanon. He suggested that Europe could help maintain secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Egypt and Jordan
Both countries praised the agreement as an important step toward restoring regional stability and reducing tensions across the Middle East.
Indonesia
Indonesia welcomed the peace initiative and urged all parties to exercise restraint and continue constructive dialogue to maintain momentum toward de-escalation.
China
China also welcomed the agreement, praising Pakistan’s mediation efforts and calling for the rapid reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.
Türkiye
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for supporting diplomatic efforts and regional de-escalation.
Israel Rejects Withdrawal from Occupied Areas
Despite the agreement, Israel signaled that it does not intend to change its military posture.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would remain in areas occupied in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza regardless of the US-Iran agreement.
Katz said Israel would resist any pressure to withdraw from these territories and warned that Iran would face a powerful military response if it launched attacks against Israel.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized the agreement, arguing that it does not bind Israel.
The statements indicate that significant challenges remain despite the diplomatic breakthrough.
Global Markets React Positively
Financial markets responded favorably to the announcement.
Oil prices fell sharply amid expectations that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would restore global energy supplies.
Brent crude prices dropped approximately 4 percent, while US West Texas Intermediate crude declined by more than 4.6 percent. Asian stock markets also recorded gains as investors welcomed signs of easing regional tensions.
Uncertain Road Ahead
Although the agreement represents the most significant diplomatic progress since the conflict began, major questions remain unresolved.
The future of Iran’s nuclear program, the implementation of sanctions relief, Israeli military operations in Lebanon, and long-term regional security arrangements will all be subjects of intense negotiations in the coming weeks.
The formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland is expected to provide greater clarity regarding the final terms of the agreement and the path toward a permanent settlement.
For now, however, the announcement has raised hopes that a conflict that has caused thousands of deaths and disrupted global energy markets may finally be moving toward a diplomatic resolution.