U.S. and Iran reach initial deal to end war, reopen Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON – The United States and Iran announced a preliminary agreement on Thursday to end their ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deal marks a major breakthrough in a war that set the Middle East aflame and shook the global economy. However, the agreement does not resolve critical issues. Both sides set aside several key disputes for future negotiations. The announcement offers a pause in hostilities, but analysts warn that the hardest talks are yet to come.