On Sunday, President Donald Trump Trump of the United States announced the cessation of hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The announcement effectively brought to end the over 100 days of war between US-Israel and Iran, which started on March 2, after the two allies launched deadly airstrikes against the Islamic Republic.
The first day of attack on Tehran led to the killing of the Supreme Leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was hit in his bunker, alongside some of his family members and other political and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC military officials.
The government of Iran had reacted by targeting US bases in some Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Iran also in retaliation of US-Israel attack blocked the strait of Hormuz, described by analysts as a critical maritime choke-point connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
According to analysts, roughly 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 25 percent of global seaborne oil pass through it, during peace time serving as the sole sea outlet for several major Gulf countries.
In response to Iran’s blockade, President Trump, on April 30, ordered the blockade of Iranian major seaports by United State military, a situation that led to a deadlock for weeks, with global economic implications, including the astronomical rise in the price of crude oil from less than $80 in pre-war era to over $130 per barrel at the peak of the hostilities in May.
The deadlock was however broken on Sunday after the two feuding countries reached a Memorandum of Understanding in a peace deal brokered by Pakistan and Qatar.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump said noting that he achieved what his predecessors in office failed to do, saying the deal will lead to prosperity for the Islamic Republic.
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” President Trump announced on his Truth social media platform.
The US leader later said in a separate post, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region”, and hinted that a more comprehensive peace agreement with Iran would follow.
“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he wrote.
According to sources in Pakistan and Qatar privy to the peace deal, it was supposed to be signed on Sunday but the ceremony was shifted after Iran threatened to end the deal following Israel’s deadly attack on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, which killed some Hezbollah leaders.
Iran had insisted that Lebanon be part of the deal with the US
Speaking, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, confirmed that an end to hostilities is expected to cover all “fronts’ including Lebanon.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, which quoted him Gharibabadi said an “immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations on various fronts, including Lebanon”, would be announced starting Monday.
Reacting to the truce on Monday, the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the deal with the US includes the immediate suspension of hostilities on all fronts.
“Based on the agreements reached, the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will end immediately and permanently as of tonight, and in addition, the naval blockade against Iran will end immediately and completely,” it said in a statement.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will be officially held on Friday, June 19,” it added.
“Negotiations for a final agreement will be postponed until after the other party has fulfilled its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of Qatar. Peace be upon you, God’s mercy and blessing.”
Also speaking, US Vice President JD Vance said the newly announced ceasefire could usher in a “new era” for the Middle East. He credited Trump’s diplomacy with Gulf countries and other regional partners for helping bring about the deal.
“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News. “And now, hopefully, a new era with the Iranians.”
Vance also reiterated what he described as a central US objective, saying: “I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”
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