President Trump announced a deal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirming that military operations will cease immediately and permanently across all fronts, including in Lebanon. The agreement, brokered with mediation from Pakistan, is set to be formally signed on Friday, the same day Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen for mine removal operations. Oil futures dropped 4% following the announcement, though prices remain above pre-war levels. Israel, which has been engaged in fighting against Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, was not included in the negotiations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has not committed to cooperating with the agreement, raising questions about its regional enforcement. Trump is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in the French Alps, where leaders from the world's wealthiest nations will discuss artificial intelligence, trade, immigration, and the war in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said the summit will assess the agreement's consequences, including support for Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and potential negotiations on Iran's nuclear and ballistic weapons programs. Around 40 countries had previously offered to contribute forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end, though Trump had earlier dismissed the proposal for not being timely enough. Trump's diplomatic momentum comes days after he hosted a UFC fight on the White House Lawn to mark his 80th birthday and the U.S. 250th anniversary, an event streamed on Paramount+ and interpreted by NPR's Mara Liasson as an effort to counter narratives about his declining health. The event drew criticism from Democrats, who accused Trump of prioritizing personal spectacle over national issues, while some Republicans expressed quiet concern over his focus on populist gestures.
Trump's push for a peace deal coincides with a high-profile UFC event staged at the White House, suggesting a strategic blend of foreign policy and image management. The agreement's success hinges on cooperation from Israel, which was excluded from negotiations and has not committed to de-escalation. While oil markets reacted positively, the long-term stability of the deal remains uncertain without verified commitments on Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs. The G7 summit offers Trump a stage to rally international backing, but early skepticism from key players weakens the deal's immediate credibility.
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