U.S. and Iran Reach Deal to End Military Fighting
The agreement will end the Navy blockade and allow ships to pass through an important waterway.
The United States and Iran have made a deal to stop all military fighting between their countries. President Trump announced the agreement on Sunday with help from Pakistan's leader. The two countries will sign the official papers on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland. This deal will end military operations and remove the U.S. Navy blockade of an important waterway.
President Trump posted the news on social media Sunday morning. He said the deal with Iran 'is now complete.' Trump also announced that he would remove the U.S. Naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This is an important waterway where many oil ships travel. 'Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!' Trump wrote in his message.
The leaders have not shared all the details of the agreement yet. However, they said the deal includes stopping military operations in Lebanon too. It is not clear if Israel has agreed to stop its fighting in Lebanon as well. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif helped bring the two sides together for these talks.
Many countries worked hard to help make this deal happen. Sharif thanked Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar for their help during the talks. Representatives from Qatar spent 17 hours in Iran's capital city Tehran working on the negotiations. They left on Sunday after the long meeting session.
More meetings will happen this week before the official signing ceremony. These preparatory meetings will take place in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Both the U.S. and Iran will send representatives to work out the final details. Then they will meet in Switzerland on Friday to sign the official agreement.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed that the agreement text is finished and ready. He said Iran will sign the deal on Friday in Switzerland as planned. The Iranian official also said the full agreement will be made public after it is signed. However, he noted that this deal 'does not signify trust' and was made 'in an atmosphere of continued distrust' between the countries.
Ships of the World, start your engines.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. When will the U.S. and Iran sign the official agreement?
2. Where will the signing ceremony take place?
3. Which country's Prime Minister helped with the negotiations?