US, Iran sign initial agreement to end war

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US, Iran sign initial agreement to end war, as nuclear talks continue

June 18, 2026

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran on Wednesday that outlines measures to end the conflict between the two countries, restart negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program and ease U.S.-backed sanctions, according to details released by both governments.

The arrangement immediately allows Iran to resume oil sales.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped mediate the accord, said online that the agreement took effect as soon as leaders from both countries signed it.

The deal establishes a permanent halt to hostilities and begins a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader settlement on the future of Iran’s nuclear activities.

Trump also indicated that military action could resume if he becomes dissatisfied with the process.

The agreement remained largely secret for several days. U.S. officials declined to publicly disclose its contents even after saying Trump and Vice President JD Vance had digitally signed it during the weekend.

Trump later signed a paper copy while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles.

Plans for a White House signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday became uncertain after conflicting accounts emerged from officials in the United States, Iran and Pakistan.

“It’s signed,” Trump said while departing the dinner following his attendance at the Group of Seven summit in France.

Video released by a White House aide showed Trump signing the document beside Macron before handing it and the pen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Another video shared by Macron showed Trump saying, “This was not easy,” before signing.

In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the agreement on Iran’s behalf.

The state-run IRNA news agency published an image showing him holding the document bearing both signatures.

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian sign initial deal end war with U.S., June 17, 2026. Photo: IRNA.

The United States has not formally released the final text. U.S. officials provided draft language to reporters on condition of anonymity, while Iranian state media published text that largely matched the American version.

Much of the agreement restores conditions that existed before the war. It calls for an end to fighting, renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure contributed to a major energy crisis.

Draft versions released by both sides state that the strait will remain open without tolls for two months, although future fees are not ruled out.

In return, Washington will move to waive some sanctions on Iran, though not eliminate them entirely.

The agreement also includes support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity amid Israel’s campaign against the Hezbollah militant group.

Iran maintains that the accord requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, while Israel has rejected that position and said it will continue defending itself and holding large areas.

The United States and Israel entered the war on Feb. 28 partly to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

During the conflict, Trump cited several objectives, including ending Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, stopping support for Hezbollah and other proxy groups, and at times suggesting the Iranian government could be removed.

The interim agreement does not achieve those goals, although Trump described it as “very strong.” He also said attacks could resume if he no longer supported the memorandum of understanding.

The decision to permit immediate Iranian oil sales and the possibility of lifting all sanctions later represent major concessions by Washington.

Those provisions go beyond the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.

Iran continues to say its nuclear program is peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran is the only country without a weapons program enriching uranium to 60% purity.

Under the new arrangement, the IAEA would supervise the downblending of that material.

The accord is expected to face opposition in Washington and appears to be a setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism as additional details have emerged.

Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously because of the issue’s sensitivity, said full sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets would occur gradually and depend on progress during negotiations.

For now, the United States would issue waivers allowing Iranian oil exports. Iran earned more than $46 billion from oil exports in 2024. China, its largest buyer, is believed to have purchased oil at discounted prices because it ignored sanctions.

The agreement also creates a path toward removing all U.S. and United Nations sanctions on Iran, including those related to weapons programs and human rights issues.

It further envisions at least $300 billion for rebuilding Iran, with funding tied to future negotiating progress.

Vance said Gulf Arab nations would provide that amount. Trump said the United States would not contribute and that investment decisions would be left to other countries.

The accord also offers potential economic relief through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, about one-fifth of traded oil and natural gas passed through the waterway.

Its closure raised energy prices and increased costs for goods, including food.

The deal states that the United States will lift a blockade on Iranian ports and that shipping through the strait should return to prewar levels within 30 days, while noting that Iranian mines may still need to be destroyed.

(With files from AP)