Trump Warns of Renewed Attacks if Agreement Is Violated
June 18, Kathmandu — The interim text of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran was made public on Wednesday. According to officials, both President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pejskian have digitally signed the agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that the deal has come into effect as of Wednesday. The formal signing of the interim peace agreement between the US and Iran is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. According to news agency Reuters, the six main points of the agreement are as follows:
1. Immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.
2. Unrestricted maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Removal of the US blockade on Iranian ports.
4. Lifting of US sanctions on Iran and unfreezing of blocked assets.
5. Implementation of a $300 billion plan for Iran’s economic rehabilitation.
6. Iran reiterating its longstanding commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.
This agreement extends the ceasefire announced in April by 60 days, allowing both sides to negotiate a permanent peace deal. Leaders of the G7 summit, meeting in France, have welcomed the agreement. However, a senior US official noted that until the deal becomes binding, there remains concern that either party might withdraw.
Trump Issues Warning Over Non-Compliance
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that renewed attacks would commence if Iran fails to meet its commitments. Speaking at a press conference during the ongoing G7 summit in France, Trump stated, “If they violate the agreement, we will bomb them greatly. I don’t want that—I want them to honor the agreement.” He referred to the Iranians as “smart people” and noted that negotiators from both countries are working toward a permanent ceasefire within the next 60 days. Trump has previously warned of resuming bombings if Iran behaves badly.
In a notable change in stance, Trump has retracted his previous hardline position by acknowledging that demanding Iran to forego ballistic missiles altogether is “unfair.” Earlier in the conflict, Trump had pledged to obliterate Iran’s ballistic missile program. However, reports by Reuters suggest that many of the original objectives set by Trump at the conflict’s outset have not been achieved, and Iran is now closer to being freed from billions of dollars in sanctions than before the intervention.
Iran’s traditional government remains intact. Its stockpile of highly enriched uranium is secure, and its ballistic missile capabilities are still intact. Additionally, Iran continues its support for Israel-opposing groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Economic Impact and Regional Context
On February 28, the US and Israel launched their initial attacks against Iran, resulting in the assassination of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military officials on the first day. The resulting conflict escalated into a regional crisis, driving up energy prices, increasing inflationary pressures, and raising concerns about a food crisis in developing nations.
Following Wednesday’s agreement and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, crude oil prices have fallen, with Brent crude dipping below $80 per barrel — the lowest level since the conflict began. However, Reuters reports that after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the deal and warned that fighting could resume, oil prices rebounded slightly by more than 1 percent.