By Favour Ulebor & Agency Report

The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, with both sides expected to formally sign a peace deal in Switzerland on Friday.

The proposed agreement includes the cessation of military operations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, whose country helped mediate the talks, announced the breakthrough on Monday.

According to Sharif, the deal provides for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

US President Donald Trump also confirmed the development and said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated: “Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said further negotiations would continue during a 60-day ceasefire period.

He said the talks would focus on a broader agreement, including the possibility of sanctions relief.

Some Israeli officials, however, have expressed opposition to the deal.

Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said the agreement was not binding on Israel and reiterated his position that Hezbollah should be dismantled.

Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, also criticised the agreement, arguing that it could have negative implications for Israel and regional security.

Meanwhile, reactions from the global shipping industry have been mixed.

The German Shipowners’ Association said it remained uncertain whether the agreement would guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz but expressed cautious optimism.

Shipping company Hapag-Lloyd welcomed the announcement and expressed hope that vessels would soon resume normal operations through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, and its reopening is expected to ease concerns in global energy markets.