Key facts
- The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a preliminary peace deal, with mediators involved.
- President Trump and Pakistan's PM have indicated a potential Sunday signing, but Iran has cast doubt on the timing.
- Qatari negotiators are in Tehran to finalize the agreement.
- Key terms include the potential release of $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and Iran agreeing not to produce nuclear weapons.
- The deal hinges on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which would lead to the lifting of the US naval blockade.
- Negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program are slated to occur after the initial agreement.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders are forecasting a Sunday signing of a framework agreement to end months of fighting between the United States and Iran, though Tehran has cast doubt on the timing and hardline protesters voiced opposition. Qatari negotiators traveled to Tehran on Sunday to finalize the agreement.
President Donald Trump posted that the deal was scheduled for signing on his 80th birthday, Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz would immediately be open to all. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, followed by technical talks.
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on Saturday that the deal would not be signed on Sunday but could occur "in the coming days." Iran's Fars news agency, citing a source, reported that Tehran had not yet made a final decision, with reviews ongoing.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the draft deal includes the U.S. releasing $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran agreeing not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons. The U.S. would lift its naval blockade once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, clashes have continued. U.S. forces shot down Iranian drones heading toward the strait, and Israel reported attacking Hezbollah targets in Beirut after projectiles were fired at northern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly clashed with Trump over demands for Israel to curb military action in Lebanon.
At pro-government rallies in Iran, hardliners protested the framework agreement. Draft terms suggest the U.S. would release frozen assets and waive sanctions on oil exports in return for Iran opening the strait. The U.S. official stated Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. would lift its blockade, with G7 powers potentially involved in de-mining the waterway.
Iran's nuclear program would be addressed in subsequent 60-day talks. The senior Iranian official noted that Iran agreed to maintain the nuclear status quo, including no uranium enrichment, until a final deal is reached. A U.S. official indicated the agreement would lead to the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and the removal of its highly enriched uranium.