Washington: President Donald Trump revealed yesterday, during a phone-in campaign speech with Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, that the United States had reached a deal to end the war with Iran. This announcement followed Iran's agreement not to possess nuclear weapons, a key condition that the US had consistently insisted on. However, Iran stated that a final agreement had not yet been reached.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump had previously stated that the U.S. and Iran might sign a landmark deal to end the war, after he suspended plans for airstrikes and bombings against Iran late Thursday. The U.S. leader indicated that the draft agreement was in its final stages and would be completed quickly, with the signing ceremony expected to take place this weekend in Europe, represented by Vice President J.D. Vance. Immediately upon signing, shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. Furthermore, the planned attack on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export destination, has also been canceled.
When asked by reporters about Iran's stance, the US leader said he understood that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, had approved the agreement. This signal of de-escalation immediately boosted US stock markets, while global oil prices fell.
However, the situation on the ground remains fragile. Since mid-March, the US leader has repeatedly claimed that a ceasefire agreement is close, but this week both sides have resumed exchanging attacks.
Iran has denied the report, with a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry clarifying that while most of the draft agreement has been finalized, Iran will never compromise on the deadlines. Currently, the matter is still under consideration by the relevant authorities, and therefore Iran has not yet reached a final decision.
Iran's key demands in these negotiations include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets, and recognition of Iran's right to control the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran has consistently maintained that it is not attempting to develop nuclear weapons, as the United States fears.