The Swiss resort of Bürgenstock has played host to high-level diplomacy in the past – Image: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
US President Donald Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran, have signed an initial agreement to extend the ceasefire for another 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We have the latest.
What you need to know
- The US president and Iranian president have signed an interim agreement
- The agreement includes 14 points covering the conflict as well as sanctions
- The points call for an end to the Iran war, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and downblending of Iran’s nuclear stockpile
- Iran said the deal does not cover its ballistic missile arsenal
- Pakistan’s PM, who had acted as a key mediator, said the deal entered into force with ‘immediate effect’
- Trump said critics of the deal are either ‘fools,’ ‘jealous’ or ‘bad people’
- American and Iranian negotiators are set to meet in Switzerland on Friday
- The UN’s nuclear chief said ‘now the technical work starts’
Germany’s Merz welcomes US-Iran deal
On the sidelines of the European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Trump’s signing of the agreement with Iran, as well as the ceasefire and guarantee of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also stated that the German government needs to clarify its options as to how it can assist in this effort, such as providing minesweepers or military support for the agreed-upon measures.
Before any such mission could start, the German military would need a mandate or other legal basis from the Bundestag, Merz said, adding that the matter will be discussed thoroughly and patiently.
Meanwhile, Luc Frieden, Luxembourg’s prime minister, also welcomed “any deal that leads to peace.” However, he added that there are still parts that need to be done.
He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is important to the world and requires peace and stability, which, he said, Luxembourg is willing to help ensure.
Republican hawks are outraged by Trump’s Iran deal
A rare rift has emerged within the Republican Party between President Donald Trump and its more hawkish members over the Iran deal. These members argue that the agreement falls far short of the sweeping victory Trump promised.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy wrote on X that former US President Ronald Reagan would be “rolling over in his grave,” calling the agreement “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”
Roger Wicker, chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, called the memorandum “completely out of step” with Trump’s goals. He also criticized sanctions relief and the unfreezing of funds “in exchange for Iran’s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days.”
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Ted Cruz also urged Trump not to “suddenly come in with massive buckets of cash to let them rebuild and become a threat to America again.”
However, some of Trump’s allies urged patience. Senator Lindsey Graham said the deal opened the Strait of Hormuz, suspended hostilities, and created an opportunity to see if diplomacy could curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump expects ‘complete ceasefire’, including Lebanon
US President Donald Trump said he expects all sides to respect the agreement with Iran and cease the hostilities.
“We expect a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account, adding Washington is “committed to peace.”
According to the US leader, all countries in the Middle East should “maintain their commitment” to allowing the negotiations with Iran to “beautifully unfold.”
DW.com/NAN 19-06-26
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