US President Donald Trump on June 19 announced a ceasefire with Iran, paving the way for the resumption of maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls. The announcement followed confirmation of the agreement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on social media platform X.
“The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I formally authorize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz free of charge, and immediately lift the US naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
The Strait of Hormuz was largely closed since December 28, when the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran. According to the statement, the agreement will immediately end hostilities between the two sides.
Iran confirmed the agreement through its Deputy Foreign Minister on the same day. Pakistan and Qatar acted as mediators. Prime Minister Sharif said the deal calls for a permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
“After intense negotiations, we are pleased to announce that a peace agreement between the US and Iran has been reached,” Sharif wrote. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the agreement, calling it “an important step that consolidates sustainable peace and promotes economic growth regionally and internationally.” Pre-deployment meetings are expected this week, ahead of technical negotiations and the formal signing.
