Trump says preliminary deal to end war with Iran has been signed

US President Donald Trump said on Monday at the G7 summit that a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran has been signed. He stated that details of the agreement would be released "pretty soon," with the formal signing set for Friday in Geneva.

Senior US officials briefed that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on Friday, and technical talks on Iran's nuclear program are expected to begin this week. Any sanctions relief or asset release will depend on Iran meeting its commitments. The deal extends a ceasefire for another 60 days, during which the sides will negotiate a final agreement.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country mediated, announced the breakthrough on Sunday, saying it includes "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." US officials clarified that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon is not a condition, and Israel retains the right to self-defense.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Monday that Israeli forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza "as long as necessary" and retain freedom to act against attacks. He also said Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, with or without a deal.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the end of military operations but expressed "deep mistrust" of the US, calling the agreement "merely a step towards reducing tensions." Iran's top military command portrayed the deal as a victory, saying the US and Israel had no option but to accept defeat.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the announcement, hoping for practical steps to end the cycle of violence. The leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement saying Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon" and they are prepared to lift sanctions in response to verifiable steps by Iran.