The Iranian armed forces congratulate themselves on having inflicted “humiliation” on their enemies, Donald Trump calls for “oil to flow freely”, Benjamin Netanyahu remains silent. The rest of the world expressed its relief at the announcement, Monday, June 15, of the long-awaited conclusion of the agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
A signing ceremony is planned for Friday June 19 in Geneva. But the document on which Washington and Tehran agreed was not immediately made public. It is therefore difficult to know precisely what it contains. According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, he foresees “the immediate and definitive end of the war and military operations on the various fronts, including in Lebanon.”
For his part, Donald Trump guaranteed on his Truth Social network that the signing of the agreement would lead to the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “I fully authorize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without rights of passage and, at the same time, the immediate lifting of the American naval blockade. Ships around the world, start the engines. Let the oil flow freely! », he welcomed, adding that this opening will take place “as soon as the agreement is signed on Friday in order to allow demining”.
Iran, however, reportedly managed to add a clause providing for the imposition of fees for maritime services in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “In the final moments of the negotiations, the text of the memorandum of understanding was modified, clearly and explicitly highlighting the issue of Iranian-Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz,” the Fars agency said, citing an anonymous source.
Four major topics
On Iranian state television, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that “negotiations will begin within 60 days with a view to reaching a final agreement.” Four major subjects will occupy diplomats during the upcoming discussions: the lifting of sanctions against Iran, the nuclear issue, the “reconstruction” and “economic development” of the country, as well as “the establishment of a monitoring mechanism” of the commitments made.
In statements to the New York Times, Donald Trump also indicated that one aspect of the negotiations concerns Iran’s acceptance of a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment.
For its part, the Iranian Mehr news agency assures that the text of the agreement provides for “the release of 24 billion dollars of frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiation period”, half of which before the start of talks.
The unknown of Lebanon
Lebanon, which Tehran and Washington guarantee is affected by this agreement, has however not been informed of it. Neither “of the terms of the agreement”, nor of the moment of the entry into force of a cease-fire in the war which has pitted Hezbollah against Israel since March 2, indicated an official Lebanese source. The violence in the South has, however, decreased in intensity and the National Information Agency (official Ani) did not report Israeli airstrikes on Monday morning.
The pro-Iranian Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks against Israel since the night. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Jewish state would maintain troops in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for an “unlimited period” to “protect the border and Israeli communities against jihadist elements.”
The official signing of the agreement must take place in Geneva in the presence of American Vice President JD Vance and “possibly” that of Donald Trump. Until then, Washington and Tehran must still send delegations to Doha for preparatory discussions.
