Iran Declares War with US and Israel ‘Officially Over’
Iran declares an end to its conflict with the U.S. and Israel, potentially easing European energy markets after months of elevated oil and gas prices.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the conflict had concluded on all fronts, according to Brussels Signal, citing statements made to state broadcaster IRIB. The declaration follows a memorandum of understanding reached with Washington. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that a permanent and immediate end to the war has been declared on all fronts.
Araghchi emphasized that any resolution of fighting in Lebanon, where Israel has engaged Iran-backed Hezbollah forces, was integral to the agreement. He warned that further Israeli military action or continued occupation of Lebanese territory would constitute a violation of the memorandum of understanding.
Israel is not a signatory to the agreement, however. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his forces will not withdraw from territories seized in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.
The memorandum is scheduled to be signed June 19 in Geneva, Switzerland, by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. According to a senior Iranian source cited by Reuters, the agreement will lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports, unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets, and require a cessation of hostilities.
Energy Markets Respond
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, has been effectively closed for over 100 days. The blockage pushed Brent crude above $100 per barrel at times and drove up natural gas prices across Europe.
Following the announcement, Brent crude fell nearly 4 percent to around $84 per barrel, with the waterway expected to reopen once the deal is formally signed.
Phased Agreement Structure
Araghchi characterized the first phase of negotiations as complete after three months of talks. Subsequent discussions are planned to address Iran’s nuclear program and broader sanctions relief. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could resume military strikes against Iran if those negotiations fail.
The conflict began February 28 when joint US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, triggering a regional conflict that drew in Hezbollah and shut down one of the world’s most vital oil routes.
Both sides have stood down militarily, though the full text of the memorandum had not been made public as of June 15.
With information from Brussels Signal
