Trump Announces Complete Middle East Ceasefire as US-Iran Deal Takes Effect, Despite Ongoing Clashes

The United States and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the Middle East conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon, following months of regional tensions. The agreement was signed remotely, with the planned signing ceremony in Switzerland cancelled. Vice President JD Vance announced that a 60-day period to reach a final comprehensive agreement has commenced, setting a deadline of 17 August for a complete deal between Iran and the United States.

President Trump declared that the US expects "a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel," urging all parties in the Middle East region to maintain commitment to the negotiation process. However, the agreement has not immediately halted fighting on the ground. According to Lebanese state media, three people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reported ongoing clashes with Israeli forces near the town of Nabatieh, with fighters engaged in combat near the towns of Arnoun and Kfar Tibnit.

The US Central Command announced the end of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which had been in place since 13 April and represented a key point of contention in the conflict. Marine Traffic data confirmed that at least seven ships crossed the strait following the announcement. Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned NATO defence ministers in Brussels that the United States will restart military action and reimpose the blockade if Iran fails to fulfill its commitments under the agreement.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff informed US lawmakers that Iran plans to invite the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear facilities as part of the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not directly commented on the agreement but emphasised the importance of maintaining close US-Israel relations, stating that Washington had stood by Israel throughout the conflict. The deal has faced sharp criticism from some Israeli analysts and coalition members, and Israel severed diplomatic relations with the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following allegations that she had compared the country to apartheid South Africa.