The Trump administration is reportedly confident that a preliminary framework for a peace deal with Iran will be signed Sunday, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear program. Iran, however, disputes the timeline, suggesting finalization in the 'coming days.'
The potential deal could de-escalate months of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, potentially reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway and impacting global oil prices. Disagreements over the timeline and terms highlight ongoing complexities in U.S.-Iran relations.
The Trump administration expressed confidence that a preliminary framework for a peace deal with Iran would be signed Sunday, a move intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear program over a 60-day period. President Donald Trump announced a deal Saturday via Truth Social. However, Iran has disputed the Sunday timeline, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating a deal 'has never been closer' and a foreign ministry spokesperson suggesting finalization in the 'coming days.'
U.S. Representative Mike Waltz called the agreement a 'strong deal' but noted many details remain to be worked out. He stated that Iran has agreed to 'walk away' from uranium enrichment and end support for 'terrorist proxies.' Waltz emphasized that the current deal differs from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), noting that sanctions relief would be contingent on performance and include stronger verification measures.
Former President Barack Obama expressed doubt that any agreement Trump makes would be significantly different or an improvement from the 2015 deal. Waltz pushed back on Obama's remarks, arguing that Iranian officials could 'delay' under the Obama deal and that the new agreement would have no 'massive loopholes.' The potential deal could end months of conflict and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil normally travels.