US President Donald Trump has announced via social media that a peace deal with Iran is now complete, bringing an end to a conflict that began with a US-Israeli offensive in late February. The announcement, made as Trump prepared to mark his 80th birthday, has been backed by Iranian officials and Pakistan, which acted as mediator. Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the agreement puts an 'immediate end' to the war, including the conflict in Lebanon.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have welcomed the news. However, key questions remain over the nuclear deal, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's role, and whether the peace can hold. The conflict, which began with Operation Epic Fury on 28 February, resulted in thousands of deaths across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf states, and caused global oil price spikes after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has claimed the end was near since the conflict began, at least 38 times, but this time his words are supported by Iranian confirmation. A fragile ceasefire in April broke down earlier this month when the US launched further strikes. G7 leaders are expected to discuss the deal in depth at their meeting in France.
Despite the announcement, details of the agreement remain unclear. The knock-on effects of the conflict are likely to reverberate beyond any peace deal, with global leaders reacting cautiously. The situation continues to develop.
