US and Iran Sign Memorandum to End Combat, Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end combat hostilities and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2].

The agreement aims to stabilize one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, ensuring the flow of global energy and trade by ending military confrontations between the two nations.

President Donald Trump (R-WY) and Vice President Mike Pence announced the deal on Monday, June 15 [1, 2]. Trump said he was happy to announce the signing of the memorandum, noting that ships are already beginning to move through parts of the strait. He said the waterway will be completely open following a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland [1, 2].

Under the terms of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be open for free navigation for 60 days ^[1]. However, the transition to normal traffic is not immediate. Officials said that it will take more than two weeks to clear Iranian mines from the area before standard maritime operations can resume ^[1].

Further details of the memorandum are expected to be disclosed within 24 to 48 hours ^[1].

Despite the announcement, some reports indicate the deal is not yet finalized. A U.S. government official said the memorandum is currently awaiting final approval from President Trump ^[3]. Additionally, some reports suggest that Iran is demanding its own modifications to the text of the agreement [2, 3].

Trump said the strait is already partially open and that vessels are successfully navigating the area. He said the full reopening will occur after the Swiss ceremony [1, 2].