Lead:
A ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran has emerged as the dominant political development of the day, drawing formal Saudi endorsement, international attention at the G7 summit in France, and cautious optimism across regional capitals. The agreement, which calls for an end to military operations and the opening of direct negotiations, is expected to be signed on Friday in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with its full text to be published within two days.
Details:
Saudi Arabia's Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah, formally welcomed the agreement, expressing the Kingdom's appreciation for efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities and the launch of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Multiple Saudi outlets — including Al-Watan, Al-Jazirah, and Al-Yaum — confirmed the Cabinet's statement, which praised the deal as a positive step toward regional stability.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts aimed at achieving security and stability across the region, according to Al-Jazirah. Separately, the Saudi foreign minister met with Portugal's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Lisbon, where both nations also expressed official support for the US-Iran framework.
At the G7 summit in France, US President Donald Trump stated that the memorandum of understanding with Iran explicitly prohibits Tehran from possessing nuclear weapons. Trump also announced that sanctions on Russian oil would be reimposed in the near term and declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully open by Friday. However, Trump also issued a warning that US bombing of Iran could resume if the terms of the agreement were not honored, according to Al-Yaum. Switzerland's government confirmed in a statement that formal signing of the interim accord could take place at Burgenstock, with the Swiss venue serving as a neutral setting for the ceremony.
Meanwhile, two Iranian oil tankers were reported by Al-Yaum to have crossed through the US naval blockade zone in the Strait of Hormuz prior to the ceasefire announcement, and the US Navy subsequently issued updated navigation guidance for vessels preparing for the resumption of normal transit through the strait.
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