Jammu, June 16 -- In a major diplomatic breakthrough after months of military confrontation that shook global energy markets and heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict, the United States and Iran have agreed to a preliminary framework aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. However, significant differences over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security issues remain unresolved, casting uncertainty over the long-term durability of the accord.
The understanding, described by both sides as a framework or memorandum of understanding, is expected to be formally endorsed during a ceremony in Geneva later this week. Pakistan and Qatar, which played important mediating ro...