18 June 2026

The United States and Iran Announce a Deal to End the War

CSIS  |  Will Todman, Mona Yacoubian

The United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement for a 60-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with an MOU signing scheduled for June 19 in Geneva. This deal initiates negotiations on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, requiring Iran to pledge against acquiring nuclear weapons and engage in technical talks on its highly enriched uranium and enrichment capabilities.

In exchange, Iran anticipates significant economic incentives, including access to billions in frozen assets and sanctions relief. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, vital for one-fifth of global oil and gas trade, is a key outcome, easing energy markets and benefiting Arab Gulf states. Conversely, the deal is a major setback for Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Potential derailment factors include the Lebanon front, where Israel refutes claims of a cessation of hostilities with Hezbollah, and challenging technical nuclear negotiations. The agreement does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or support for proxies, allowing its regional power projection to persist as a threat to Arab states and Israel. The scope and timing of economic incentives remain disputed.

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