AGENCIES

The US yesterday lifted a blockade of Iranian ports imposed during the Middle East war after President Donald Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a deal to end the conflict on all fronts, as uncertainty surrounded planned talks in Switzerland aiming to take the accord further.

The signing of the deal set in motion a 60-day period for talks on wider issues between the two foes, including the Iranian nuclear programme.

But there was uncertainty over the next steps, and it remained unclear if the two sides, who have had no diplomatic relations following the 1979 Islamic revolution, would hold a signing ceremony and talks in Switzerland on Friday as previously announced.

And in Lebanon, Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes yesterday morning, raising doubt about how far Trump will go to force his wartime allies to halt an offensive he has now pledged to end. Lebanon’s media said at least The

SEE PAGE 2 COL 1