Washington, June 13 (SANA)A senior U.S. official said on Saturday that Washington and Tehran had reached what he described as a “very strong” agreement that includes the reopening of theStrait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies.

According to Reuters, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the agreement requires Iran to reopen the strategic waterway and allow the resumption of maritime traffic without transit fees.

In return, the United States would lift its naval blockade onIranin parallel with the reopening of the strait, the official said.

He added that the next phase would involve a coordinated effort to clear mines from the waterway, with the United States expected to play a leading role in restoring normal shipping operations as quickly as possible.

The official also said Britain and France had discussed forming a joint maritime coalition and noted that both countries have naval assets in the region that could participate in such efforts.

The comments came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said earlier that theUnited Statesand Iran had reached a framework peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East, adding that the text of the agreement had been finalized.