U.S. and Iran Reach Deal to End Fighting

More than 100 days after the initial attacks, thousands of lives have been lost and global energy markets remain in crisis. The agreement requires an immediate end to the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials digitally signed the document on Sunday and plan to sign it officially on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.

On the weekend prior to June 15, Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut. The new agreement requires an end to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that Israel's conflict with Hezbollah, especially the airstrikes in Beirut, almost derailed the broader peace agreement.

He said U.S. negotiators were "very worried" and that intelligence had suggested Iran would launch a massive retaliatory strike against Israel. The U.S. said it would not respond and would sign the agreement, Vance said.

Netanyahu vowed that Israel would pursue the denuclearization of Iran. He also stated that Israel would not withdraw from Lebanon as a buffer against Hezbollah. "We will stay in the Lebanon security buffer zone for as long as necessary," Netanyahu said.

" He added, "We must continue destroying the houses in southern Lebanon. " Fighting between Israel's military and Hezbollah has been ongoing since October 8, 2023. Earlier this month, Iran broke off negotiations over continued fighting in Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that his group resumed attacks to force the Israeli Defense Forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory.

Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that Iran suspended talks due to continued Israeli actions in Lebanon. President Trump stated on Monday that if Iran refused to negotiate on its nuclear program, he would resume attacks on the country.

After the signing, the two sides will begin technical negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program.