A preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran has been reached, raising hopes for stability in the Middle East and easing concerns across global markets.

According to statements from officials of the United States, Iran and Pakistan, which facilitated the negotiations, both sides have agreed to an immediate cessation of military operations as part of a framework for a broader peace process.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the parties had agreed to halt all military activities immediately and permanently. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizing the agreement is expected to be signed in Switzerland next Friday.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the contents of the MoU would be made public after its signing.

Both Washington and Tehran indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen following the signing of the agreement. The United States is also expected to begin lifting restrictions affecting Iranian ports. More complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions imposed on Tehran, are expected to be addressed during a 60-day negotiation period following the signing.

Regarding maritime trade, US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen next Friday. Iranian officials stated that the waterway would be accessible to all commercial vessels once the agreement takes effect. Maritime traffic is expected to be coordinated by Iran in cooperation with Oman.

On the nuclear issue, both sides said Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons. Iranian officials indicated that Tehran would suspend uranium enrichment and expansion of nuclear facilities until a final agreement is reached. Discussions on Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and future monitoring mechanisms are expected to continue during upcoming negotiations.

The proposed framework also addresses sanctions and economic issues. Iranian officials said the United States has agreed not to impose new sanctions while negotiations continue. Discussions on easing oil-related sanctions and establishing a timetable for lifting broader restrictions are expected to form part of the next phase of talks.

Iranian officials also said negotiations would cover the release of frozen Iranian assets and potential economic cooperation initiatives, although US officials have stated that no direct cash payments will be made to Tehran.

The agreement also includes provisions related to regional security. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire framework would extend to Lebanon. Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that military operations would be suspended across all relevant fronts, including Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that attacks on Lebanon must cease completely and called for full implementation of the framework agreement. However, Israeli officials have maintained that Israeli forces will remain in designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

The preliminary agreement is being viewed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, although several critical issues remain unresolved and will require further negotiations before a comprehensive settlement can be achieved.