US President Donald Trump has announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran is imminent. He announced on social media that the deal could be finalised on Sunday.
Trump also said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to all ships once the agreement is completed. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. It is used to transport large amounts of oil and natural gas.
The route has faced disruptions during the recent conflict. Pakistan, which has helped mediate discussions between the two countries, said the agreement could be completed within 24 hours. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that preparations were already being made for an electronic signing ceremony. He added that technical discussions would likely continue next week. However, Iran appeared less certain about the timeline.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said officials were still discussing the details. He suggested that the agreement would probably not be signed on Sunday as some reports had indicated. At the same time, a delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran. Qatar has also played a role in helping both sides negotiate. It remains unclear whether the visit will affect the timing of the agreement. Trump said that once tensions ease, the United States will address Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.
He claimed the material would eventually be removed and destroyed. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, including energy production and scientific research. The conflict began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched strikes inside Iran. In response, Iran launched attacks in the Gulf region against Israel and a number of US allies.
The fighting also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite reaching a ceasefire in April, the US and Iran have intermittently clashed. Several previous attempts to reach an agreement have failed before being finalised. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently said a deal was close.
He indicated that it could help reduce tensions in the region and create conditions for future discussions on Iran’s nuclear activities. Meanwhile, violence in Lebanon continues. Israel carried out an air strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known as a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel said the attack was a response to Hezbollah rocket fire into Israeli territory.
It is still uncertain whether the latest developments in Lebanon or Israel’s recent military actions will affect Iran’s decision to sign the agreement. Despite ongoing challenges, officials involved in the negotiations say they are closer to a deal than at any previous stage.
