Trump Announces Surprise Iran Deal as War Nears End, But Major Questions Remain

The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed on a framework deal aimed at ending months of conflict that pushed the Middle East to the brink and disrupted global oil supplies.
The breakthrough, announced by mediators from Pakistan, is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. US President Donald Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes — will be reopened as part of the agreement, proclaiming: “Let the oil flow!”
The announcement immediately eased fears in global markets, with oil prices falling and stock markets rallying across Europe and Asia.
Iran also confirmed that an agreement had been reached. Speaking on state television, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the development as a major step forward, while Iran’s military leadership portrayed the outcome as a victory for Tehran.
Although the full text of the deal has not yet been released, reports indicate that its immediate objective is to extend the ceasefire that took effect on April 8. The proposed arrangement would commit both sides to a further 60 days without hostilities while negotiations continue on critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and post-war reconstruction.
Pakistan, which helped broker the agreement, stated that military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, are expected to cease under the framework. However, Israel has yet to officially endorse the deal and senior Israeli officials have signaled resistance to some aspects of the arrangement.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz insisted that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza without a fixed withdrawal timetable. He also warned that any future attack by Iran would trigger a powerful Israeli response.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that a complete halt to Israeli military actions in Lebanon remains essential for lasting peace.
Despite the optimism surrounding the announcement, analysts caution that the agreement remains fragile. Several key details — particularly concerning Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and sanctions relief — have yet to be finalized.
Former US officials have warned that disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme could still derail the process before Friday’s signing ceremony. Iran has also emphasized that implementation of commitments by all parties will determine whether the deal succeeds.
The conflict began on February 28 following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israel and US-aligned nations in the Gulf region.
For now, world leaders have welcomed the breakthrough. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a “hugely significant moment,” while the European Union and Egypt hailed the agreement as a potential turning point for regional stability.
However, with the final document still under negotiation and tensions remaining high across the Middle East, observers say the coming days will determine whether the framework evolves into lasting peace or becomes another failed diplomatic effort.