"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," President Donald Trump said in a social media post. "Congratulations to all!"

The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end months of fighting, according to President Donald Trump and the leader of Pakistan.

President Trump said earlier Thursday he called off new military strikes on Iran, hours after threatening to escalate the war.

US markets opened sharply higher after news of the agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected on Friday in Switzerland.

WASHINGTON, June 18 - President Donald Trump has insisted that the deal he has reached with Iran is superior to the one that President Barack Obama sealed in 2015, while Trump's critics say at this point he has gotten much less and given up much more to Tehran

Tehran is preparing for the July 9 burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, more than four months after his death, as authorities mobilise the Basij militia and mount a massive security operation ahead of what is expected to be a “historic” turnout.

President Donald Trump on Friday said Iranian leaders have not yet reached a deal with the U.S. to end the ongoing war because they’re “strong” and “proud,” but ultimately, he added, “they’ve got no choice” except to reach an agreement.

NPR's Don Gonyea speaks with Ariane Tabatabai, Vice President of Research, Security and Defense, at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, about developments in the war between the US and Iran.

The president appears to be confronting the consequences of a cease-fire deal cobbled together in haste, with little movement toward resolving the key issues driving the conflict.