Key facts
- President Trump announced a potential deal with Iran could be signed as soon as the weekend.
- Critics, including allies, have raised concerns about the reported terms of the agreement.
- The deal reportedly includes provisions for destroying Iran's highly enriched uranium and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Mixed signals exist regarding sanctions relief, with some reports indicating a 60-day waiver on oil export sanctions.
- The U.S. military shot down Iranian drones targeting ships, despite optimism about a potential peace agreement.
President Trump announced on Thursday that a potential deal between Washington and Tehran could be signed as soon as the upcoming weekend, though details emerging about the agreement have already drawn criticism from various figures, including allies.
Concerns are mounting over the vagueness of Iran's nuclear commitments. A senior U.S. official stated that Iran's highly enriched uranium would be destroyed and that Tehran could commit to not procuring a nuclear weapon. However, Iran has historically maintained it does not seek nuclear weapons, and a key point of contention remains Iran's refusal to hand over its stockpile of weapons-grade uranium. A potential compromise involves diluting or 'down-blending' the material, a step Trump seemed open to allowing to remain underground for the time being.
Mixed signals have also emerged regarding sanctions relief. U.S. officials indicated that Iran's assets would not be unfrozen until specific actions are taken. Conversely, reports suggest the agreement would waive U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports for 60 days, providing an economic lifeline. Critics warn that this temporary waiver could weaken enforcement posture and make future sanctions difficult to reimpose. Iranian state media, however, have reported promises of significant reconstruction funds and an immediate cash transfer.
A central aspect of any deal appears to be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor. Reports indicate Iran would fully reopen the waterway within 30 days without tolls, in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on ships to and from Iranian ports. Critics have urged the U.S. to clear the strait by force rather than allowing Iran to dictate terms. Despite optimism for a deal, the U.S. military shot down two Iranian attack drones targeting ships, which Trump criticized as unacceptable and indicative of bad faith.
The signing ceremony is tentatively planned for the weekend, likely in Europe, with Vice President Vance expected to attend. Despite potential European signing locations, Iran refers to the agreement as the 'Islamabad declaration' due to Pakistan's role in negotiations. Geneva, Switzerland, is being considered for the signing. Trump had previously threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure but rescinded them, citing proximity to a peace agreement.