US deal gets oil flowing as Trump pushes 'complete ceasefire on all fronts'

US President Donald Trump said he expects “a complete ceasefire on all fronts,” including Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel. Israeli forces earlier on Thursday launched fresh airstrikes on Lebanon.

US Vice President JD Vance said the American Navy allowed more than a dozen ships through to Iranian ports, lifting a blockade as part of an agreement to end the war, and causing prices to fall to pre-war lows. Some 12.5 million barrels of crude sailed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight, he said hours after Trump signed a deal with Iran to end the war that has disrupted global energy supplies.

Also Read: Iran's Khamenei says he approved US MoU despite reservations; says future talks will be face-to-face


However, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a strong statement later, saying Trump, out of desperation, used “all kinds of leverage” to bring about the deal. Khamenei said he had a different view regarding the MoU, but gave his permission due to commitments to the Iranian president and other members of its security council. He said council members assured him they would ensure “safeguarding of the rights of the nation and the resistance front.”

Khamenei said future talks with the US would be held directly but that does not imply “accepting its views.” Trump has threatened to resume attacks if Tehran fails to honour commitments.

The US and Iran released text of the interim agreement. Vance said technical talks may begin this weekend, and that US would withdraw its troops to pre-conflict numbers.

Also Read: Vance says 12.5 million barrels oil moved as Iran deal enters 60-day phase