White House Signs Iran Deal, Reopens Hormuz Strait Access
The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the naval blockade, and establishing a framework for nuclear negotiations and sanctions relief.
According to Breitbart News, a senior American official confirmed the signing of the memorandum, noting that President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf all signed the document. The agreement establishes a framework for future negotiations and ties Iran’s reintegration into the global economy to cooperation on its nuclear program, verification that it is not developing nuclear weapons, and a commitment to cease funding radicalism and terrorism in the region.
The senior official characterized the framework as a reciprocal arrangement, stating that if Iran is willing to behave like a normal country, the United States is prepared to treat it as such. The official emphasized that while the agreement could benefit the people of Iran, the Gulf region, and the United States, substantial work remains ahead.
Strait of Hormuz to Reopen as Naval Blockade Lifts
The memorandum provides for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the combined lifting of the naval blockade, as Breitbart News reports. However, officials cautioned that “immediate” remains relative given the presence of mines in the strait, varying risk tolerances among shipping companies, and crew concerns about stability. A significant increase in traffic through the strategic waterway is already beginning and is expected to accelerate over time, though officials do not anticipate a return to normal operations within two weeks.
President Trump announced Sunday that the Iran deal was complete, declaring that ships of the world should start their engines and let the oil flow. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed that a peace deal between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been reached, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
High-Level Direct Contact After 47 Years
A senior official credited the negotiating team, including Vice President Vance, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, with establishing direct relationships with individuals at the highest levels of the Iranian government. Such contact has not occurred in 47 years, the official noted, adding that these relationships helped Washington understand where Iran is willing to compromise and where significant challenges remain.
Another senior American official said the negotiations benefited from Iran’s weakened economy, damage to its industrial base and military from recent conflicts, and internal divisions between those who wish to maintain the current trajectory and those seeking change. Talks included front channel conversations with Pakistani officials and back channel discussions with Qatari representatives, with officials expecting to know within the next two to three weeks whether current understandings will translate into a mutual agreement.
No Frozen Assets Released Yet
When asked whether any frozen assets had been released to Iran upon signing, one senior American official stated unequivocally that zero dollars of unfrozen assets have been released by the United States or any other country. Another official clarified that Washington is prepared to release frozen funds and offer sanctions relief in phases, but only if Iran takes verifiable and hopefully irreversible steps.
A senior official confirmed that the memorandum will be released publicly and that there will be no side deals. Any sanctions relief, access to frozen funds, or support for investments—including the possibility of a large 300 billion dollar fund to rebuild Iran—would be strictly tied to performance.
No Immediate U.S. Force Reduction
Asked whether the agreement would lead to a visible drawdown of American forces in the region, a senior official said that is not happening yet. Any reduction would come only after a final deal in which the Iranians make concrete concessions.
Officials emphasized that Washington’s top priority is ensuring Iran does not rebuild its nuclear program, while broader sanctions relief depends on Tehran behaving more appropriately, including by ceasing to fund terrorism or serve as a source of regional instability.
A senior administration official revealed that President Trump encouraged Vice President Vance to become directly involved in the negotiations, describing it as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Another senior official said negotiators felt extremely fortunate to have the vice president leading the team, viewing his role as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to the talks.
One senior official clarified that the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, as Israeli withdrawal is not a condition of the deal.
With information from Breitbart News
