The White House announced a ceasefire with Iran, claiming a U.S. victory facilitated by former President Trump, but details of the agreement remain unclear.
Hard Negotiations with Iran
A White House spokesperson stated the military success enabled President Biden to engage in firm negotiations, paving the way for a diplomatic resolution and the potential for lasting peace.
The spokesperson also asserted that the U.S. President secured the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Lack of Agreement Details
Despite the declared success, specifics of the agreement remain vague. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council released a statement claiming a “great victory” for Iran, forcing the United States to accept a 10-point Iranian plan.
According to this account, the U.S. agreed in principle to lift all primary and secondary sanctions against Iran and withdraw American combat forces from all regional bases.
Conflicting Accounts of the Agreement
Iran would reportedly maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. would accept Iran’s uranium enrichment program. However, the Persian version of the 10-point plan included a provision regarding “consent to enrichment,” absent from the English version.
This discrepancy is significant, as both Israel and Donald Trump repeatedly identified halting Iran’s nuclear program as a primary war objective.
Trump Disputes Iranian Account
Trump dismissed the Council’s statement as “a hoax” and suggested the document originated from a false news source. He requested an investigation and demanded CNN remove the content and issue an apology.
CNN responded by stating it received the statement from Iranian representatives, which was also published by Iranian state media.
Strait of Hormuz Reopened?
Trump cited a separate, shorter statement from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which did not mention victory. It only confirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz “will be possible for two weeks in coordination with the Iranian armed forces and with consideration for technical limitations.”
While both Leavitt and Trump presented the opening of the strait as a fait accompli, details raise doubts. The U.S. President demanded a “full, immediate, and safe opening,” seemingly contradicted by Araghchi’s statement.
Furthermore, AP reported that both Iran and Oman will collect fees from ships transiting the strait, and the Iranian National Security Council explicitly stated the “continuation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.”