The world has breathed a sigh of relief as the US and Iran have signed an agreement to end their war, marking a credible step toward peace after months of stalled efforts and false starts. But doubts persist about whether the deal will bring lasting peace to the Middle East because of Israel’s continued aggression against a number of countries in the region, particularly Lebanon and Palestine.
Although the agreement was virtually signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, its full details have yet to be released and are not expected until Sunday. However, the deal appears set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is largely controlled by Iran. In return, the US will lift its naval blockade of Iran’s southern ports, which has squeezed Iran’s already embattled economy.
However, many important and sensitive issues remain unresolved, including the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions on Iran and Tehran’s frozen assets. These issues will likely be deferred until a later date, leading many to fear that a long-term resolution may remain elusive.
According to a news report, technical talks on Iran’s nuclear programme are expected to begin this week, while any sanctions relief or release of assets will depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments under the agreement.
US sanctions on Iran have remained in place since the 1979 revolution and encompass a wide range of economic, trade, scientific and military restrictions. As of 2025, these sanctions include a comprehensive trade embargo and a prohibition on the sale of aircraft and aircraft parts to Iranian aviation companies.
In addition, a substantial amount of Iranian assets remains frozen worldwide. According to some estimates, Iran’s frozen assets total between $100 billion and $120 billion globally, consisting mainly of unpaid oil revenues and foreign reserves locked abroad due to international sanctions and legal disputes.
As a result, Iran has been under severe financial strain, causing significant hardship for its people. The recent air strikes jointly carried out by the US and Israel have further deepened its prolonged economic recession. The war has not only damaged Iran’s oil and industrial facilities but has also resulted in heavy loss of life. The combined strikes have reportedly killed at least 1,265 Iranians and injured more than 2,800 since the conflict began on February 28 this year.
Lebanon has also suffered heavily from relentless Israeli strikes on Hebollah bases. This has prompted Iran to insist that its agreement with the US should halt military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. But Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country has no plans to withdraw its occupying forces from Lebanon, Syria or the Gaza Strip.
People across the globe want to see the US rein in its closest ally in the Middle East in order to bring lasting peace to the region.
