For months, the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway that carries about a fifth of the world's oil—has been effectively closed by Iran, sending energy markets into turmoil and raising the spectre of a broader Middle Eastern war. The conflict erupted on 28 February when the US and Israel launched strikes across Iran, prompting Iran to attack Israel and US-allied Gulf states and close the Strait of Hormuz. After three months of fighting, a peace deal is being negotiated. US President Donald Trump claimed on 13 June that an agreement would be signed the next day, opening the Strait. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the signing would not be on Sunday, though it could happen in the coming days. Pakistan's prime minister, a key mediator, said Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing.
The war is the latest chapter in a long-running standoff over Iran's nuclear programme. For decades, Western countries have accused Iran of trying to build a nuclear weapon; Iran insists its programme is for peaceful purposes—electricity generation and research. The 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump abandoned during his first term, had restricted Iran's enrichment in return for sanctions relief. After that deal collapsed, Iran advanced its programme. The current conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on 28 February.
“Explains the US-Iran war, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and the proposed peace deal.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil and LNG shipments, pushing up fuel prices in the UK. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK is ready to support peace efforts. If the deal collapses, further instability could affect British energy costs and security.
Q: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. About a fifth of the world's oil and a significant amount of liquefied natural gas pass through it. Iran's closure of the strait during the war has disrupted global energy supplies and raised prices.
Q: What are the terms of the proposed peace deal? According to US and Iranian officials, a memorandum of understanding would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift the US blockade of Iranian ports, and include the destruction of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile—which Trump called "Nuclear Dust"—on site, with the material later removed from the country. Talks on Iran's nuclear programme would begin later. The deal is also meant to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Q: What happens if the deal is not signed? Trump has warned of an "ultimate alternative" if things do not "work out quickly, easily and smoothly". On Thursday, he threatened to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal and launch new attacks. He has also claimed about 40 times that a deal was imminent only to revert to threats. Iran has said it needs to remain cautious due to US inconsistency.
The exact date for signing remains uncertain. Iran said it will not be on Sunday, but Pakistan expects it within 24 hours. Technical-level talks are scheduled for next week if the MoU is signed. The UK has offered to support peace efforts. If no deal is reached, further military escalation is possible.