PM hopes US-Iran deal will have ‘positive economic impact’

Prime minister Luís Montenegro has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing the hope that it will pave the way for a return to diplomatic channels with a view to peace, and that it will have “a positive economic impact”.

In a post over social network ‘X’, Luís Montenegro has also said that he hopes the agreement will allow for “the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a return to diplomatic channels to address Tehran’s nuclear programme, and an end to Iranian attacks on neighbouring countries”.

“Regional peace and stability are essential, and freedom of navigation must be total and unrestricted. The gradual return to normality should have a positive economic impact, including on fuel prices, food security in various regions of the world and global supply chains,” he added.

Mr Montenegro’s words follow those of the president, earlier today, and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and come as a result of the latest announcement by President Donald Trump.

The niggling feeling, nonetheless, is that many salient points remain unresolved, and will determine whether this ‘breakthrough’ morphs into a lasting peace settlement, or collapses.

Various international media outlets have highlighted the unknowns:

1. Iran’s nuclear programme

This is the biggest outstanding issue. The framework agreement reportedly commits Iran not to develop nuclear weapons, but negotiators still have to settle what happens to Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, its existing stockpile of enriched uranium and the inspection regime that would verify compliance. These technical negotiations are expected to continue during the next 60 days.

2. Contradictory interpretations of the deal

Washington has suggested Iran could eventually dismantle or sharply restrict parts of its nuclear programme, while Iranian officials have described the agreement as preserving much of the current status quo. The gap between those public positions raises questions about whether both sides have the same understanding of what was agreed.

3. Sanctions relief and frozen assets

Reports indicate Iran could receive sanctions waivers and access to billions of dollars in frozen assets. However, the timing, conditions and permanence of those measures remain unclear and appear linked to Iranian compliance with future commitments.

4. The future of regional proxy groups

The agreement is intended to halt hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, but questions remain over the future role of groups such as Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed allies. These issues are not fully addressed in the framework deal.

5. Israel’s position

Israel has not fully embraced the agreement. Israeli leaders have indicated they intend to maintain military pressure on Hezbollah and continue operations in parts of Lebanon, raising the possibility of renewed regional tensions, even if Washington and Tehran move forward.

6. Strait of Hormuz implementation

Although both sides say the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, practical questions remain over navigation security, the removal of obstacles (mines) and guarantees for commercial shipping after months of disruption.

The bottom line is that the agreement settles the immediate conflict but leaves the most difficult issues—nuclear restrictions, sanctions, verification and regional security—to future negotiations.

The planned signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday (June 19) will therefore mark the beginning of a new diplomatic phase rather than the end of the dispute.

Sources: LUSA/ Reuters/ Guardian/ Axios