Breakthrough U.S.-Iran peace deal opens path to lasting regional stability

The peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran on Sunday, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland, marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough since the outbreak of their recent conflict, lowering the immediate risk of a wider regional war and opening a pathway toward a longer-term political settlement, analysts said.



The agreement, reached after weeks of military escalation and intensive diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and other regional actors, commits Washington and Tehran to cease hostilities and begin negotiations on some of the most contentious issues dividing them, including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief and the future security framework of the Strait of Hormuz.



The international community welcomed the agreement, with leaders of many countries issuing statements, urging continuous efforts towards lasting peace.



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the deal, and hopes that the parties will build on this new momentum and redouble their efforts toward a final resolution of the conflict, his spokesperson said Sunday.