US & Iran ‘Digitally’ Sign Initial Accord To End War In Gulf & Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The U.S and Iran have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) digitally to pause the war in the Middle East.

The official document would be signed in person in Geneva on Friday.

U.S Vice President JD Vance and senior officials confirmed that the terms have been agreed upon by both parties, and the digital deal has been finalised by the leadership.

Iran, however, has not yet confirmed if its top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has signed.

According to the initial agreement, both sides will stop attacks on each other’s naval and defence assets, and the US will lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, which would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, other issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, releasing the frozen assets and funds, lifting of sanctions regarding Iranian crude oil and the Islamic Republic’s support to regional proxies will be discussed over the next two months.

However, according to a military advisory by U.S forces, the naval blockade will remain in place till the official agreement is signed on Friday in Switzerland.

The U.S forces will remain in the Middle East, and Washington’s position will remain unchanged during the period of extended talks with Iran, spanning 60 days.

Amidst the developments, U.S President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that “ships are starting to move” through a safe route hugging Oman’s territorial waters.

While Trump claims the strait will be “completely open” by Friday, maritime experts and shipping companies warn it could take 40 to 50 days of mine-sweeping operations before insurers and vessels feel entirely safe to cross the energy chokepoint.

Currently, about 500 ships and 20,000 crew members remain stranded.

Vice President Vance stated the US expects the waterway to remain toll-free. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei contradicted this, indicating that “fees” will be charged to ensure secure passage.

The deal could establish a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, which will be paid for by a neighbouring Gulf Coast coalition, if Tehran honours its obligations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has framed the breakthrough as a victory for Tehran.

U.S officials noted that while the deal includes a pause in fighting in Lebanon, it does not mean Israel would withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.