Paris – 18.06.2026: US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a preliminary peace agreement on June 17, 2026, aimed at ending the four-month war between the USA and Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This step is seen as a significant advancement in efforts to de-escalate the long-standing tensions in the region and could have far-reaching economic and political consequences.
The agreement stipulates that the USA will gradually lift its sanctions, mainly imposed due to Iran’s nuclear program and other security concerns, and allow Iranian oil exports once again. In return, Iran commits to significantly reducing the enrichment of highly enriched uranium under the international supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This aims to further limit the possibility of the country developing nuclear weapons.
The international community is watching the implementation of the agreement with great interest, as it could mark an important turning point in the Middle East conflict and global security policy. Besides easing the military situation in the Persian Gulf, global energy markets could also benefit from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to lower energy prices.
At the same time, the deal faces sharp criticism in the USA from President Trump’s camp. Some of his closest supporters accuse him of making too many concessions to Iran without securing sufficient binding guarantees for US interests. They fear that the agreement merely restores the status quo before the war without offering a long-term solution to the underlying causes of the conflict.
These critics warn of possible negative impacts on the credibility of American foreign policy and security in the region. Some describe the agreement as a capitulation to Tehran and express skepticism regarding the monitoring and control mechanisms.
Despite these controversies, President Trump emphasizes the potential benefits of the agreement. He points to the positive reactions of global markets and the opportunity to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Detailed negotiations about Iran’s nuclear program are planned to begin in the coming weeks. A decisive meeting between US and Iranian representatives is scheduled in Switzerland to advance the talks.
The further development of the peace process remains a central topic on the international agenda, as the agreement carries both opportunities for stability and risks of new tensions.