[TITLE>U.S. and Iran Reach Framework Cease-Fire Agreement, Paving Way for End to Conflicts]
World leaders on Monday cautiously welcomed a new cease-fire framework and diplomatic pathway to end the U.S. conflict with Iran, as oil prices declined, hostilities in Lebanon showed signs of de-escalation, and Iranian citizens expressed cautious optimism about ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives.
The initial agreement phase aims to halt military operations and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy supply route that Iran effectively sealed following the conflict’s outbreak. Since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, the war has failed to deliver the results President Trump promised—including eliminating Iran’s military capabilities, curbing its regional proxies, dismantling its nuclear program, and toppling its theocratic government.
Restoring the Strait to its pre-war commercial shipping status could help reduce soaring U.S. gasoline prices, which have become a political liability for Mr. Trump ahead of midterm elections, though energy experts note it may take months for prices to decline. Iran’s economically devastated infrastructure will likely require a similarly prolonged recovery effort.
The deal was announced as President Trump attended a Group of 7 summit in France. Before the meeting in Évian-les-Bains, French President Emmanuel Macron described the framework as “a very important step toward peace” and a boost for global economic stability. Gulf nations expressed optimism that Iranian attacks on their territories would cease, with Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, calling it “a timely victory for diplomacy and common sense.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the accord, stating his country would continue operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon. “Israel’s struggle has not ended,” he said Monday.
The agreement’s text will be released “sometime after Friday” following the formal signing ceremony in Geneva, where President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are expected to attend. Electronic signatures were exchanged Sunday between Trump and Vice President Vance and Iran’s Parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The 60-day cease-fire is designed to facilitate negotiations toward a final peace agreement. The talks face significant challenges over two contentious issues: lifting U.S. sanctions against Iran and restricting Tehran’s nuclear program. In a CNBC interview, Vance acknowledged unresolved issues, including disposal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
“We have the diplomatic, economic, and military leverage, but we’re also extending an open hand to Iranians—if they negotiate in good faith and commit long-term not to develop nuclear weapons, we’ll ensure their country’s success,” Vance stated.
President Trump asserted the deal would permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, adding that Tehran agreed with “strong policing powers.” U.S. officials indicated readiness to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets upon milestone achievement and to lift certain sanctions initially if Iran complies.
Iranian officials expect the U.S. to unfreeze assets and lift sanctions in subsequent negotiations. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that half the journey is complete and warned the remaining phase will be more difficult. He emphasized planning negotiations “on the basis of mistrust” due to Iran’s history of broken commitments and reference to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iranians expressed mixed emotions about the agreement, with many having lost jobs during the conflict and abandoned hope of regime change. “So what was the point of this war? What did it bring us exactly?” questioned Roshanak, a Tehran resident who requested anonymity for safety. Despite uncertainties, she said, “Honestly, we are very happy it’s over.”
In Lebanon, where Israeli forces have attacked Hezbollah, the agreement calls for immediate cessation of military operations. Hezbollah confirmed the cease-fire and congratulated Iran on securing a “comprehensive agreement on all fronts.” However, Netanyahu vowed Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “as long as required,” claiming the conflict successfully eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat to Israel.
Over 1.1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, according to the U.N., with officials warning families not to return to southern areas yet. Displaced residents expressed uncertainty about the cease-fire’s durability.
U.S. officials confirmed the naval blockade on Iranian ports will end under the agreement. Meanwhile, shipping companies remain cautious about navigating the Strait of Hormuz, where previous attacks killed sailors and left vessels stranded. While President Trump downplayed mine threats, shipping executives highlighted unresolved safety concerns.
