President Donald Trump announced on June 14 that the United States and Iran had reached a deal to end months of hostilities that have claimed thousands of lives.
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared: “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!”
He added: “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!”
A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
Between 7,500 to 10,000 people have died since the war erupted in February, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Iran and Lebanon. Civilian deaths across the region are estimated between 2,500 and 4,000. The United States has lost 13 service members in the conflict.
The pact is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, and include a 60-day period for further negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear program, according to the Associated Press.
The deal only partially addresses the issues that sparked the conflict, which began with U.S.-supported Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28.
While the agreement requires Iran to refrain from producing or acquiring nuclear weapons and to maintain the current nuclear status quo during the 60-day negotiation period, it does not include a full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program or the removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Nor does the deal require Iran to halt funding, arming, or directing its network of militant groups, including Hezbollah.
Those questions have been deferred for future talks.
According to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a mediator in the peace deal, the agreement calls for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
Hezbollah launched projectiles from Lebanon into Israel on Sunday, however, leading Israel, which maintains it has the right to respond to Hezbollah attacks, to retaliate by striking Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Both Iran and Trump criticized Israelʼs airstrikes. In a separate Truth Social post earlier that day, Trump wrote: “This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly stated that Israel is “not a party” to the deal, said the strikes targeted Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and a Hezbollah command center.
Pope Leoʼs repeated calls for peace
The peace deal follows repeated appeals for peace by Pope Leo XIV. He has consistently called on all parties to return to dialogue and protect innocent lives.
In April, the pope stated: “Search always for peace and reject war … especially a war which many people have said is an unjust war.”
Trump took issue with Leoʼs statements, leading to a public dispute in which the president accused the pope of saying Iran “can have a nuclear weapon,” despite the popeʼs repeated calls for nuclear disarmament.
“The Church has spoken for years against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt there,” Leo said in response on May 5.
“The peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us!” the pope said in his Easter “urbi et orbi” message. “Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ!”
The peace deal announcement comes on the same day as Trump’s 80th birthday, on which he held the first-ever professional UFC fights on the South Lawn of the White House. Trump hosted the event as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.