Will the US-Iran deal be signed on Sunday? What we know so far | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Claims Peace Deal with Iran to Be Signed Sunday Amid Ongoing Tensions
Tehran — U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the first stage of a peace agreement with Iran is set to be signed on Sunday, following more than 100 days of conflict that have contributed to a global energy crisis and heightened economic uncertainty. However, Iranian officials have disputed the timeline, suggesting the signing may occur in the coming days.
The preliminary agreement, described as a memorandum of understanding (MoU), is expected to extend the existing ceasefire for an additional 60 days, according to various media outlets.
Developments Surrounding the Deal
On Thursday, in light of escalating tensions, Trump indicated he had refrained from military action against Iran, citing a proximity to a deal that could be finalized soon. In a subsequent statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that a MoU with the U.S. had never been closer to realization. This announcement was echoed on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
Iranian state media later detailed what they claimed were provisions within the proposed agreement, which reportedly addresses not only U.S.-Iran relations but also the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have recently intensified operations.
Trump expressed frustration regarding leaked terms of the agreement, asserting that they did not accurately reflect the documented negotiations and urged Iranian leaders to stabilize their approach.
On Saturday, Trump reiterated via social media that the deal would be signed on Sunday and asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened for all shipping.
Contrarily, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that while the MoU would likely not be signed on Sunday, he did not dismiss the possibility of an agreement in the following days. He emphasized that the current negotiations focus on ending hostilities but exclude discussions around Iran’s nuclear program.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that the finalization of the U.S.-Iran agreement is anticipated within the next 24 hours, with electronic signing of the peace deal to follow. He thanked both the U.S. and Iran for their commitment to the talks.
Reports indicated various levels of preparation for a potential signing ceremony, although uncertainty remains whether it will be conducted electronically or in person.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Agreement
Trump characterized the agreement as a measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, insisting that Tehran would commit to never obtaining such arms. Should the first stage be ratified, he claimed, the Strait of Hormuz would be accessible to all vessels, although specifics regarding the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports were not clarified.
The agreement purportedly consists of several points, including lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and ceasing hostilities in Lebanon. Araghchi remarked that Iranian assets frozen abroad would be released upon the MoU’s signing, although the nuclear issue would be addressed in a second phase of the negotiations.
Challenges and Controversies
A range of contentious issues lies at the heart of the potential agreement. Foremost among these is Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. has repeatedly underscored the necessity for Iran to forgo nuclear weapon capabilities, while Iran contends its program serves civilian purposes and has signaled a willingness to negotiate limits, contingent upon sanctions relief.
The matter of U.S. sanctions presents another challenge, as Iran continues to demand the full removal of restrictive measures, despite U.S. proposals that suggest a phased approach to easing sanctions.
The future of frozen Iranian assets is also a significant concern. Tehran maintains that access to these funds is vital for economic recovery but faces U.S. hesitance to approve large-scale releases without considerable concessions concerning its nuclear activities.
Regional dynamics further complicate the negotiations, particularly regarding the situation in Lebanon, where Iranian support for allies such as Hezbollah draws scrutiny amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
International Reactions
Reactions to the potential peace deal have varied. Within the United States, there has been limited response from Republican lawmakers, although some continue to express concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Conversely, skepticism has emerged among Democratic lawmakers, with some characterizing the prospective agreement as inadequate.
Internationally, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed support for Trump’s efforts to conclude the conflict. In Israel, media reporting has signaled disappointment over the prospect of an agreement, with concerns regarding its implications for Israeli security and regional power dynamics.
As the situation evolves, further statements and developments are expected in the coming days, particularly regarding the details of the proposed agreement and its potential impact on regional stability.
