Iran and US agree deal to end war as Israel says its forces will stay in Lebanon

Grace Eliza Goodwin
Live reporter

More details have come out today about the framework deal
between the US and Iran to end the war, but with the full text of the deal not
yet released, there are still some lingering questions. Here’s what we know and
what we don’t:

Has the deal been signed?

The deal has already been signed electronically by the US
and Iran, a US official says. A formal signing ceremony, attended by
Vice-President JD Vance, will happen in Switzerland on Friday, President Trump
says. A senior US official said details of the MOU will be released publicly
in “24
to 48 hours”.

What’s in it?

Trump says the deal with Tehran does not include sanction
relief for Iran but adds “if they do what they’re supposed to do, that
starts taking effect”. Iranian state media has previously reported that
the deal does include the US easing sanctions on Iran.

The deal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and
the end of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, Trump says. Who will control
the strait going forward is not clear – Iran’s view is that it “won”
the war and now it wants recognition of its sovereignty over all or part of
this narrow waterway.

Where does Lebanon fit in?

A senior US official says that Israel’s withdrawal
from Lebanon is not part of the deal. A spokesperson for Iran’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs says ending the conflict in Lebanon is a pivotal
part of the framework agreement Iran and the US reached.

Israel’s defence minister says its
forces intend to stay in Lebanon, while Iran has called for a
“complete halt” to action.

What about Iran’s nuclear programme?

Iranian
state media reports that Tehran is committing not to produce nuclear
weapons. It also reports that there will be a period of 60 days during which
the US and Iran will have to agree on how to destroy and remove nuclear
material.

But we don’t know what the restrictions on enrichment will
be and what will specifically happen to the stockpile of highly enriched
uranium Iran has now.