US-Iran peace deal: 'Just signed it, was not easy', says Trump at Versailles

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have formally signed a peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East, marking a significant diplomatic development between the two countries.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Trump during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles after the G7 summit. Moments before signing the document, Trump acknowledged the challenges involved in reaching the agreement.

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"This was not easy - that I can tell you", he told leaders gathered around the table before putting his signature on the memorandum.

A video released after the signing showed Macron, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other guests applauding as Trump held up the signed document. Speaking to reporters later, Trump simply said, "Just signed it."

What the agreement includes

The 14-point agreement calls for an immediate halt to military operations between the United States and Iran, including in Lebanon. It also commits both sides to work towards a final agreement within the next 60 days.

The memorandum outlines several key measures, including the removal of the US naval blockade, safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, phased sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

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The deal also includes a US-backed economic development programme for Iran valued at at least USD 300 billion.

On the nuclear front, the document states that Iran has reaffirmed it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Future discussions on enriched uranium stockpiles are expected to take place under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran calls for implementation

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that the agreement had been signed and stressed the importance of carrying it forward.

"The text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was finalised with the signatures of the presidents -- now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement," he said.

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Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the talks as negotiations conducted from a "position of strength".

"The difference between the current negotiations and previous periods is that today, this banner of battlefield victory, which both enemies and friends have acknowledged, serves as the backing for negotiations. Every war that ends in victory, if it does not ultimately lead to a legal and political document and those victories are not recorded, will bring no benefit," he added.

Leaders welcome the agreement

Macron welcomed the signing, describing it as an "important step in the right direction for compatriots". He said the agreement could pave the way for lasting peace and help lower energy prices through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan also welcomed the development. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the agreement "demonstrates the commitment of both sides to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict" and congratulated Trump for helping bring the negotiations to a conclusion.

FAQs:

Where was the US-Iran peace deal signed?

The agreement was signed at the Palace of Versailles during a dinner hosted by Emmanuel Macron.

What did Trump say before signing the deal?

He told leaders at the table, "This was not easy - that I can tell you".