US, Iran digitally sign peace agreement to end conflict, reopen Hormuz; Tehran says time to test implementation

PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to bring an end to the conflict between their countries, representing a significant diplomatic achievement after months of tensions and military confrontations.

US and Iranian officials said both leaders digitally signed the agreement on Wednesday, following its initial electronic endorsement on Sunday by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The accord came into force immediately, replacing plans for a formal signing ceremony that had been scheduled in Switzerland later this week.

A US official confirmed that President Trump also signed a physical copy of the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles. The White House released footage of the signing, which took place alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Speaking to reporters as he departed Versailles after the dinner, Trump said he had signed the Iran MoU there. According to the White House, a photograph of the signed document was subsequently shared with Iran and the mediating nations, formally activating the agreement.

US officials stated that the MoU is intended to end the nearly four-month-long conflict and support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. However, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf indicated that the strait would not revert to its pre-conflict status, although Tehran would continue to comply with international law and established maritime navigation regulations.

Qalibaf added that Iran plans to levy fees for services provided to ships passing through the strategic waterway. Iranian authorities also emphasized that responsibility for overseeing the Strait of Hormuz is shared by Iran and Oman.