diplomacyThursday, June 18, 20264 sources

US and Iran sign MOU to end war and reopen Strait of Hormuz amid Israeli defiance

US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Palace of Versailles to end the US-Israel war on Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement includes lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and Iran's pledge to charge no toll for commercial vessels for 60 days. Israel, a defiant actor, remains outside the deal.

The MOU was signed on June 18, 2026, at the Palace of Versailles, France, by Trump and Pezeshkian. Under the terms, the US will lift its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and waive tolls for commercial vessels for 60 days. France's involvement was noted as a key facilitator in the negotiations. The presence of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz remains a concern, with reports indicating ongoing risks to maritime traffic.

Timelines

Sources

PublicFrance 24Jun 18, 10:02 PM
US-Iran deal: Key questions remain over status of Strait of Hormuz

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is at the heart of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the United States and Iran. Under the terms of the deal, the US will immediately lift its blockade of Iranian ports. The Islamic Republic, for its part, will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and charge no toll for commercial vessels for a period of 60 days. However, the presence of sea mines in the vital waterway could be a cause for concern. Our correspondent Reza Sayah reports from the Strait of Hormuz.

IndependentNew York TimesJun 18, 08:07 PM
Iran and the U.S. Have an Understanding. Will It Lead to a Deal?

Europe and the larger world will be watching carefully to see if talks produce a lasting agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

PublicDeutsche WelleJun 18, 05:22 PM
US-Iran deal: Between conflict and compromise

The US and Iran are starting tough negotiations after signing a ceasefire agreement. DW looks at the red lines, and where both sides could agree.

IndependentSouth China Morning PostJun 18, 04:00 PM
Can the US-Iran deal survive a defiant Israel and Hormuz uncertainties?

The deal between the US and Iran aims to halt the war and energy disruptions that have rattled the global economy, but observers warned the agreement was built on ground too shaky to guarantee a lasting peace. US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed a long-anticipated memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday to end the US-Israel war on Iran. Trump signed it at a dinner at the Palace of Versailles, where he was joined by French President...