Trump says Iran deal largely negotiated, awaiting final approval
Tos:
Islamabad: US President Donald Trump has said that a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the US-Israel conflict with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” adding that the deal includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the agreement is still awaiting finalisation by US and Iranian negotiators along with several other countries.
Trump made the announcement following a series of phone calls with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, and Bahrain.
He also confirmed a separate call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as “very good.”
According to Trump, “final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed,” and would be announced once finalized.
Strait of Hormuz reopening included in draft agreement
One of the key points of the proposed deal is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route that has been affected by ongoing tensions.
Trump said the measure is part of a broader framework intended to stabilize regional trade and security, though he did not provide technical details.
The agreement remains subject to approval by the involved parties, including Iran and supporting regional states.
Pakistan and regional diplomacy efforts
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, praising diplomatic efforts and saying Islamabad continues to support dialogue between the parties.
He also expressed hope that Pakistan could potentially host future US–Iran talks.
Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed progress, saying any agreement would help ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not give specifics.
Egypt also urged all parties to seize the diplomatic momentum and reach a final settlement.
Mixed signals from Washington and Tehran
The announcement comes after a week of conflicting signals from Washington, where Trump alternated between warning of renewed military escalation and suggesting a deal was close.
Earlier reports suggested US officials were preparing for possible strikes, although no final decision was made.
Iran, meanwhile, has remained cautious, with officials warning that progress does not guarantee agreement on key issues.
A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said both sides’ positions had been converging but accused Washington of issuing “contradictory statements.”
Key issues still under negotiation
Despite reported progress, several major sticking points remain unresolved, including:
- Iran’s nuclear programme
- US military presence in the region
- Control and security of the Strait of Hormuz
- Frozen Iranian assets abroad
Officials from both sides have indicated that discussions are ongoing and could continue in the coming weeks.
