Middle East peace deal faces hurdles amid US-Iran disputes

Key facts

• A US congressman stated that the US and Iran are closer to a deal than ever.
• Iran's foreign minister indicated that the main part of a potential deal's text was almost finalized.
• A senior US official claimed Iran agreed to dismantle its nuclear program, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and cease funding armed groups.
• US President Donald Trump called leaked terms of a potential deal 'fake news'.
• Iran's army chief asserted that Iran will never pursue nuclear weapons and maintains dominance over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Four Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.

US Congressman Ryan Zinke stated that the United States and Iran are "closer to a deal than ever," despite ongoing disputes over leaked terms and verification processes for Iran's nuclear program. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that "the main part of the text was almost finalised," while President Donald Trump has dismissed leaked terms as "fake news."

A senior US official claimed Iran has agreed to a "performance-based deal" that includes dismantling its nuclear program, destroying enriched materials, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ceasing funding for armed groups. The official added that none of Iran's frozen assets would be released until these commitments are fulfilled.

Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Iran's army chief of staff, stated that Iran will never pursue nuclear weapons and asserted that Iranian forces maintain absolute dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, controlling passage without permission. He also affirmed that Iranian forces are on high alert.

Meanwhile, tensions persist in the region. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks targeting Israeli military concentrations in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli military reported air strikes in southern Lebanon and a drone infiltration into northern Israel. Separately, four Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, and clashes erupted between residents and the Israeli army over an illegal settlement outpost.

Iran also expressed concern over the "unauthorised provision of services" by Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system on its territory, warning that commercial space platforms are increasingly used for military and intelligence purposes. US Vice President JD Vance reiterated that Iran will not receive funds for simply signing a deal, emphasizing that the agreement prioritizes US and allied concerns and could lead to lasting peace.