US and Iran Reach Preliminary Agreement to Open Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced on social media that the U.S. and Iran reached an agreement to ensure free navigation of the Strait of Hormuz ^[1].

The deal aims to stabilize global energy markets by ending a U.S. naval blockade and resuming oil shipments. This development could signal a broader de-escalation of military operations across the Middle East, including in Lebanon.

Trump posted the announcement on May 14, 2026 ^[1]. In the post, he said he would allow the full, free, and gratis passage of the Strait of Hormuz and ordered the immediate lifting of the U.S. Navy's blockade measures ^[1].

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said on May 15, 2026, that a memorandum had been finalized ^[2]. Gharibabadi said the outcome was a result of Iran's military achievements ^[2]. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also posted that a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran had been established ^[2].

The two nations planned to sign the memorandum on May 19, 2026, in Switzerland ^[1]. The agreement is intended to end all military operations and establish a permanent cease-fire [1, 2].

However, the certainty of the deal shifted later in the month. On May 24, 2026, Trump posted that the agreement should not be rushed ^[4]. Reports indicated that no final decision had been made at that time and the naval blockade would continue while negotiations proceeded ^[4].

Officials mentioned a 60-day negotiation window to reach a final, comprehensive agreement ^[4]. This period allows both parties to refine the terms of the memorandum before a formal treaty is established ^[4].