U.S. and Iran sign memorandum to end Gulf fighting and maritime blockades

Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to end fighting and lift U.S. naval blockades in the Gulf area, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported. The document was signed digitally on Sunday, with a formal signing scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

The agreement follows more than 100 days of conflict that began with attacks on June 13. According to al-monitor.com, the memorandum addresses both the cessation of hostilities and the removal of maritime blockades in the Gulf region.

Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut on the weekend prior to June 15. Vice President JD Vance stated that the Beirut strikes nearly disrupted the broader agreement. He said U.S. negotiators were "very worried" and that intelligence indicated Iran might launch a large-scale retaliatory strike against Israel.

Vance added that the United States would not respond and would proceed with signing the agreement.

Iran had suspended talks earlier this month over continued Israeli operations in Lebanon, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that his group resumed attacks to compel Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory. Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has continued since October 8, 2023.

Israeli officials stated that Israel would continue pursuing the denuclearization of Iran and would maintain its presence in Lebanon. " He added: "We must continue destroying the houses in southern Lebanon.

President Trump stated on Monday that if Iran declined to negotiate on its nuclear program, the United States would resume attacks on the country. Following the memorandum signing, the parties will begin technical negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program.