Morning update
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
The US-Iran peace agreement entered its implementation phase overnight, with both sides confirming the accord has been signed electronically ahead of a formal ceremony in Geneva.
Shipping activity resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear oversight discussions moved forward and world leaders welcomed the breakthrough. However, disagreements over Lebanon and Israel's future military role remain unresolved.
Here are the latest updates:
President Donald Trump said the memorandum of understanding with Iran has been fully signed electronically and that the Strait of Hormuz will be completely reopened by Friday.
Iranian media reported that three oil tankers and two cargo ships successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade.
US Vice President JD Vance said International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors are expected to return to Iran as part of the agreement's implementation.
Vance said there will be no tolls or special fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiation period.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian described the agreement as an important step toward ending the war, while stressing that a final comprehensive settlement has yet to be completed.
Hezbollah welcomed the agreement and said it has not carried out military operations against Israeli forces since the accord was announced.
Hundreds of displaced Lebanese residents began returning to towns in southern Lebanon following signs of reduced regional tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces will continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement.
Israeli officials reiterated that Israel does not consider itself bound by all provisions of the Washington-Tehran accord, particularly those related to Lebanon.
Markets responded positively to the accord, while shipping executives cautioned that full confidence in Hormuz transit will depend on conditions on the ground rather than political declarations alone.
