India, June 15 -- A major diplomatic breakthrough appears to be underway in the Middle East after the United States and Iran announced that they have reached a framework peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and restoring stability to the region. The proposed deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on June 19.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement includes the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the US naval blockade on Iran. The move is expected to ease disruptions in global energy supplies and has already triggered a sharp decline in oil prices.

According to reports, the framework calls for an immediate halt to military operations between the US and Iran, while...