**Trump Announces Preliminary Iran Deal Amid Uncertainties**
US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that a preliminary agreement has been reached to end the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, a development he described as a significant diplomatic breakthrough. Speaking to reporters after arriving in France for the G7 summit, Trump stated, “The deal’s all signed,” although he acknowledged that many details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
The announcement comes as tensions have escalated in the region, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has reportedly claimed over 7,000 lives, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. The agreement is expected to be formally signed in Geneva on Friday, with Vice President JD Vance representing the United States at the ceremony.
According to Trump, the preliminary deal aims to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire for a period of 60 days, allowing negotiators time to address outstanding issues, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program. Following the announcement, oil prices dropped to their lowest levels since March 10, reflecting market reactions to the potential easing of tensions that have disrupted global oil supplies.
While the agreement has been described as a major step towards peace, many aspects remain unclear. US and Iranian officials have indicated that the deal might encompass sanctions relief for Iran, the unfreezing of foreign assets, and the establishment of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by Gulf states. However, US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that Iran would need to comply with certain conditions, including commitments to refrain from developing nuclear weapons and ceasing support for regional proxy groups like Hezbollah, to benefit from any economic incentives.
Details regarding the agreement are anticipated to be released within the next two days, but significant disputes still linger. Iran has consistently asserted that it does not pursue nuclear weapons and has resisted limitations on its missile program and regional alliances. The fate of the Strait of Hormuz remains a contentious issue, with Iran proposing to share oversight of the waterway with Oman, while the United States insists on ensuring it remains fully open for transit without charges during the ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected the notion of withdrawing Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, asserting that “Iran wanted us to withdraw from it, but I stood firm.” A US official later confirmed that Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon was not part of the agreement. Despite the announcement of the deal, violence has continued in the region, with reports of an Israeli drone strike killing a man in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces had targeted and killed four militants in the area.
In response to the ongoing violence, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes, highlighting the fragility of the situation even in the wake of the announced agreement. While some hostilities have reportedly eased since the announcement, officials have noted that fighting has not completely subsided.
As the situation develops, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring the implications of the agreement and its potential impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The coming days are expected to shed more light on the specifics of the deal and the reactions of various stakeholders involved in the conflict.