US-Iran Peace Deal Announced
The US and Iran are set to sign a peace deal, reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz to oil transports and promising global economic relief. But at the same time, Israel continues to wage war in Lebanon, creating uncertainty over both the deal and broader peace in the Middle East.
US and Iran Reach Deal to End Months of War
REPORTER:
Outside the White House Sunday, it’s a typical mix of protesters and out-of-towners who’ve come for a look at the heart of the US Presidency. Today, there’s a special mood, though—after US President Donald Trump posted a message on social media.
REPORTER:
He says he has reached a deal with Iran that will end months of war—and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic critical for the global economy.
REPORTER:
Trump has said many times that a deal was near, but this time, Iran has given its confirmation via announcements on state TV.
Kazem Gharibabadi (IRAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER):
Permanent and immediate end to the war and military operations in all fronts, including Lebanon.
REPORTER:
The US and Iran will sign the deal Friday. And while full details are unclear, the US will lift a blockade on Iranian ports and ease sanctions—while the more thorny issue of Iran’s nuclear program has been shelved for later. Both sides are treating the deal as a victory.
REPORTER:
The reaction to all this at the White House front gate? A mix of relief, hope and uncertainty.
David Root (RETIRED US FEDERAL EMPLOYEE):
My reaction is, I hope that this is a real sincere peace plan, because we've seen many times, maybe five or six different times that Donald Trump, our president, has stated that there is going to be peace between the United States and Iran. I hope and I pray that this happens.
Karen Moffat (TEACHER):
I'm always worried that someone will change their mind or something will happen to negate the peace deal. The price of gas affects so many things, the price of living depends on the price of gas. And in the long term, those things are worrying.
REPORTER:
Markets have reacted positively. Hopes that stranded oil tankers can resume traffic through the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices down during early Monday trading in Asia. Brent crude—the global benchmark—was down almost 4%.
REPORTER:
But the peace deal isn’t in the clear yet. There are still fears that Israel’s continuing attacks in neighboring Lebanon could derail this tenuous truce. Iran has said that any agreement should also stop fighting in Lebanon. Israel says it is defending itself from Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy militia.
REPORTER:
Even as hints of the US-Iran deal broke on Sunday, Israel stepped up strikes in southern Lebanon. And so, with days to go before it’s signed, there are questions about whether this deal can really achieve what it’s setting out to do—ending more than three months of war that has engulfed the Middle East and shaken the world economy.
Joseph Wu and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.
