Iran says agreement text with US finalized; signing set for Friday in Switzerland

WASHINGTON, United States — TEHRAN — Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Monday that a memorandum of understanding with the United States has been finalized after lengthy negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Gharibabadi said two agreements would take effect at dawn, covering the cessation of war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the lifting of the US naval blockade. He added that the official signing would take place on Friday in Switzerland between the two main parties, and that the text would be published after being signed. Gharibabadi said Iran's armed forces would remain on alert against any possible violations of the agreement. US President Donald Trump had announced on his social media account that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened without transit fees and that the naval blockade would be lifted.