Key facts
- The U.S. and Iran are reportedly close to signing a war-ending agreement.
- President Donald Trump announced a potential signing for Sunday.
- Iran has disputed the timeline for the signing.
- The deal reportedly includes opening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program.
- Lebanon fears Israeli actions may continue despite the potential ceasefire deal.
- Somaliland's president is reportedly expected to visit Israel.
The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a significant peace agreement, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that a deal to end the war could be signed as early as Sunday. Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened to all once the agreement is finalized and suggested that the U.S. would eventually secure and destroy Iran's nuclear material.
However, Iran has cast doubt on the proposed timeline, with its foreign ministry cautioning against commenting on specific dates and indicating that the signing would not occur on Sunday but possibly in the "coming days." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined that the agreement comprises 14 points, including the lifting of U.S. port blockades, an end to hostilities across all fronts, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The nuclear issue and removal of U.S. sanctions are slated for discussion in a second stage of negotiations.
Despite speculation about a potential ceasefire, military activity persists in the region. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have continued, resulting in casualties, and Hezbollah has reported targeting Israeli soldiers. Lebanon is experiencing anxiety, fearing that Israel may not consider itself bound by any Iran-U.S. deal concerning Lebanon, potentially leading to further escalation. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Somaliland's president is expected to visit Israel, a move seen as a strategic play to counter Iran's influence in the Red Sea region.
President Trump's schedule for Sunday does not mention a signing ceremony, though such events can be added. He has previously described the potential deal as a "wall to no nuclear weapon" and has been critical of his predecessor's nuclear agreement with Iran. A White House official has indicated that the deal is approximately 75% complete, though skepticism remains regarding the imminent signing.