Ships have started to move out of Hormuz: Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has announced that commercial and maritime vessels have started moving out of the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after an agreement between Washington and Tehran on a peace deal. The truce pact is expected to be signed on June 19. "Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern 'Highway,' which is totally safe," he said.
Blockade lifted
US naval blockade to be lifted
The peace agreement also includes the lifting of a United States Naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade was imposed on April 12 after unsuccessful ceasefire talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan. In his announcement, Trump wrote, "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and...authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade."
Deal details
Deal includes sanctions relief, resumption of nuclear talks
Although the full text of the peace deal has not been disclosed, a senior Iranian official familiar with the draft memorandum told Reuters it includes sanctions relief. The deal also aims to resume nuclear talks and lift restrictions on Iranian ports. Provisions were also made to end regional conflict as part of this agreement.
Others
Iran's frozen assets likely to be released in phases
According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, under the 14-point memorandum of understanding, the US will lift its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days and withdraw its forces near Iran. The Strait of Hormuz will reopen for normal transit under the agreement. Iran's frozen assets, estimated at $24 billion, are likely to be released in phases over 60 days. Discussions on Iran's nuclear program are expected during this period.
Pakistan
Discussions on Iran's missile program removed from immediate agenda
The Iranian news agency reports that discussions of Iran's missile program and support for armed groups have been removed from the immediate agenda. The negotiations were held under Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who first announced the deal, specifically named the younger supreme leader among the leaders who demonstrated "immense wisdom, prudence and patience under extremely difficult circumstances" during the negotiations.