The United States and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire memorandum that reopens the Strait of Hormuz and lifts the US Navy blockade of Iranian ports, according to the BBC. The agreement returns both sides to positions broadly similar to those held before the conflict began nearly four months ago, the BBC reported.
The BBC, citing multiple sources, reported that Iranian negotiators believed they were engaged in nuclear discussions when American and Israeli forces launched strikes on February 28. The memorandum defers questions about Iran nuclear programme and sanctions relief to future negotiations, according to the BBC.
Israel carried out strikes alongside the United States but was excluded from final negotiations, the BBC reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting criticism from political opponents who argue the military action has endangered Israeli security.
The BBC reported that the initial phase of the conflict included the killing of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his senior advisers, attributed to US and Israeli operations. The BBC also reported on investigations into an American strike on a school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed more than 150 civilians including approximately 120 schoolchildren.
Both nations had predicted a swift victory and the collapse of Iran government, the BBC reported. Instead, the regime survived and emerged strengthened under new leadership including Mojtaba Khamenei and a younger generation of Revolutionary Guards commanders.
The agreement may provide temporary relief for Lebanese civilians caught in the crossfire, though Israeli forces continue occupying territory in southern Lebanon, the BBC reported. The arrangement falls short of a comprehensive peace settlement, with mutual distrust complicating long-term prospects.
Sources: BBC
