Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ foreign ministry on Monday welcomed the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at halting the war which broke out between the two countries in the spring. It said the deal marked an important step towards de-escalation in the region and renewed diplomatic engagement.
Cyprus welcomes agreement
Cyprus’ foreign ministry said the agreement “represents a critical step for sustained de-escalation across the region, including Lebanon, and for the restoration of freedom of navigation, and provides a renewed momentum towards a comprehensive negotiating framework for a lasting settlement of the nuclear issue and all other critical issues”.
It added that it encourages “all parties” to “seize this opportunity and remain committed to dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement”.
Announcement and mediation
The deal was mediated by Qatar and Pakistan and was first announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday night.
Sharif said the two countries had agreed to a “permanent termination of military operations on all fronts”, including in Lebanon.
Statements from Washington
Later, United States President Donald Trump said the “deal” with Iran was “complete” and stated, “I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States naval blockade”.
“Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow,” he added.
Vice President JD Vance said, “I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon”.
Reported terms of the agreement
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that the agreement contains 14 points, including a “permanent and immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon”, the complete lifting of the naval blockade within 30 days, a US commitment to withdraw its forces from around Iran, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
It also reported that within 60 days of the signing of the deal, US$24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the US will be released.
According to Mehr, negotiations will also be held during those same 60 days with the aim of reaching a conclusive agreement on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
International reaction
The announcement of the agreement was also welcomed elsewhere, with Greece’s foreign ministry praising “all diplomatic efforts that contributed to this positive development”.
