WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Saturday defended a recently signed interim agreement with Iran amid reports of ceasefire violations, as tensions persisted in the region following the deal aimed at halting months of conflict.
U.S. officials said the memorandum of understanding, signed earlier this week, remained in effect despite accusations from Tehran of breaches, primarily linked to Israeli actions in Lebanon. The agreement calls for an immediate termination of military operations, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to toll-free shipping, and a 60-day period for further negotiations on issues including sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.
White House spokespeople confirmed that both sides had begun implementing initial commitments, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade and resumption of oil shipments through the strategic waterway. However, Iranian officials cited alleged violations, including continued strikes in Lebanon, as justification for restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Details of specific incidents remained unclear.
The fragile pact, reached after direct U.S.-Iran talks mediated in part by regional actors, has drawn mixed reactions. President Donald Trump described the framework as a significant step toward stability, while emphasizing the need for full compliance. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Washington was committed to the agreement’s terms but would respond firmly to any material breaches.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran viewed certain actions as undermining the ceasefire. Reports indicated ongoing disputes over the deal’s scope, particularly regarding Lebanon and Hezbollah, which Iran has linked to the agreement while U.S. and Israeli officials have offered differing interpretations.
Negotiators from both countries were expected to continue discussions in Switzerland to flesh out details of the interim accord and work toward a more comprehensive settlement. Vice President JD Vance was reportedly involved in efforts to advance the talks.
The agreement follows a period of escalated conflict that disrupted global energy markets due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil and gas shipments. U.S. officials have stressed the importance of keeping the waterway open without tolls during the initial 60-day phase.
A U.S. intelligence assessment reportedly warned of potential challenges from Israeli actions, though administration officials reiterated support for the deal while calling for restraint from all parties.
As of Saturday, shipping had resumed in the strait following the initial agreement, according to reports, though full normalization depends on sustained compliance. Both Washington and Tehran have expressed interest in extending the ceasefire if progress is made in the coming weeks.
The Trump administration said monitoring mechanisms were in place to verify adherence, with further updates expected as talks progressed.
