Donald Trump (Photo: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran under which Tehran must reduce its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and which also provides for the lifting of U.S.-backed sanctions against the country, immediately allowing Iran to freely sell its oil. This is a major concession on Washington’s part, according to information released by both countries, euronews.com reports.
The initial ceasefire agreement takes effect “immediately” after being signed by the leaders of both countries, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif—who acted as a mediator in the negotiations—stated on social media.
The document provides for a definitive cessation of hostilities and initiates a 60-day countdown to reach a final agreement on the future of Iran’s nuclear program, while Trump reserves the right to resume strikes. At the same time, it appears that Iran is receiving a number of benefits already in the first phase, while giving almost nothing in return.
For several days, secrecy and confusion surrounded the deal. U.S. officials refused to disclose the terms, even after stating that Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance had signed it electronically over the weekend.
On Wednesday, Trump signed a paper copy during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles, the palace where many historic agreements ending wars and territorial disputes have been signed over the past centuries.
The White House had planned to hold a signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland, but its fate is now uncertain due to conflicting reports coming from the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan.
“It’s signed,” Trump said as he left a dinner at Versailles, which concluded his trip to the G7 summit in France.
