Iran and US Announce Deal to End War, Reopen Strait of Hormuz — But Israel Objects and Details Remain Unclear
The United States and Iran have reached an interim agreement aimed at ending their war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments [172974]. However, major disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional military influence remain unresolved, and Israel has raised strong objections to the deal [172963][171334].
According to U.S. President Donald Trump, a signing ceremony is planned for Sunday in Switzerland, and the Strait of Hormuz will reopen afterward [172174][172584]. Iranian officials immediately cast doubt on that timeline, stating that no exact date has been set and that the pact would not be signed on Sunday [172674][172584]. The conflicting statements from both sides have left the deal’s status uncertain.
The central sticking points include Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. sanctions, and Iran’s ballistic missile program [171334]. Washington demands strict limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment, while Tehran insists on the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions [171334]. The U.S. also wants curbs on Iran’s long-range missile capabilities, which Iran rejects as a matter of national defense [171334]. A third major issue is Iran’s support for armed groups in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, which the U.S. demands be halted, but Tehran views as part of its regional strategy [171334].
Inside Iran, hardliners have fiercely rejected the proposed deal, calling it a “catastrophic capitulation” [172856]. Iranian MP Kamran Ghazanfari said the agreement fails to guarantee sanctions relief, compensation, or Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz [172856]. Supporters of the deal are now defending themselves against accusations of surrender, highlighting deep divisions within Iran’s political leadership [172856].
In Israel, discontent over the emerging deal spans the political spectrum [172724]. Many Israelis say the agreement leaves fundamental security threats posed by Iran unaddressed, particularly regarding Iran’s missile program and regional military activities [172724]. Critics warn the deal could free up Iranian funds for hostile actions without ensuring adequate oversight, reflecting a growing rift between Washington and its closest Middle Eastern ally [172724].
The deal comes amid ongoing violence. Israel launched fresh strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, complicating efforts to finalize the agreement, and Trump urged no further attacks [172619]. Iran threatened a military response [172619]. Separately, Israeli forces struck towns in southern Lebanon despite an existing truce between Israel and Hezbollah, raising questions about the stability of the ceasefire [172951].
Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. have welcomed renewed talks with Iran but are pressing for details on any agreement, arguing that the conflict left major issues unresolved [172960].