US and Iran Sign Interim War-Ending Agreement with Nuclear and Sanctions Concessions

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has signed an initial agreement with Iran aimed at ending military hostilities between the two nations. The accord, mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents a significant shift in U.S. policy and includes major concessions to Tehran. Trump signed the agreement at Versailles following the Group of Seven summit in France, though U.S. officials indicated the deal had been digitally signed on Sunday.

The agreement's key provisions include Iran's commitment to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and forgo nuclear weapons development, in exchange for the United States waiving—though not eliminating—certain wide-ranging sanctions against Iran. The accord immediately permits Iran to sell its oil freely in global markets, marking a substantial economic concession from Washington. Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz will remain toll-free for sixty days, though future fees are not precluded. The agreement also reaffirms commitment to Lebanon's territorial integrity amid Israel's military operations against Hezbollah.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the agreement is taking immediate effect following signatures from both nations' leaders, though a formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the agreement on Wednesday, according to U.S. officials, though Iran did not immediately comment. A video released by White House staff shows Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio signing a paper copy of the agreement at Versailles.

The interim accord initiates a sixty-day negotiating period for a comprehensive nuclear agreement and essentially restores conditions that existed before the February 28 outbreak of hostilities. The deal falls short of several stated U.S. war objectives, including the elimination of Iran's ballistic missile programs and complete cessation of support for regional proxy groups. Trump acknowledged the limited scope while defending the agreement, stating "Nobody knows what it is, but it's very strong," and notably reserved the option to resume military action if dissatisfied with the terms.

U.S. officials released draft language of the agreement to journalists following days of secrecy, with Iranian state television subsequently publishing text that aligned with the U.S. version. The full text has not been formally released, and some details—such as whether the signing initiated the sixty-day negotiating clock—remained unclear. Trump suggested the agreement functions as a "memorandum of understanding" subject to potential abandonment if negotiations prove unsatisfactory.