Trump Announces Sunday Signing of War Deal, Iran Casts Doubt on Timing
US President Donald Trump, alongside mediator Pakistan, announced on Saturday that an initial agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is set to be signed on Sunday. However, Iranian officials have expressed skepticism regarding the timeline for this signing.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both parties have reached a preliminary framework for the peace deal. He stated that Islamabad is preparing for an electronic signing scheduled for Sunday, which will be followed by technical discussions in the coming week.
In a social media post, Trump reiterated that the deal with Iran is expected to be finalized on Sunday. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil trade that has been blocked by Iran, would be “open to all” immediately after the signing.
Iranian Response to the Announcement
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei urged caution regarding the timing of the signing. He indicated that while the exact date remains uncertain, the possibility of a signing in the near future cannot be dismissed. However, he noted that due to the “hesitation of the other side,” it is prudent to refrain from making definitive statements about the process.
A US official later commented on the deal’s significance, stating, “It’s a great deal and a very strong deal,” but did not provide specifics regarding the timing.
This is not the first instance where the two sides have appeared close to an agreement to end the conflict, which escalated on February 28 following joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Sharif expressed optimism on social media, stating, “We are closer to a peace deal than ever before.”
The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted global energy prices and resulted in thousands of casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, where tensions between Israel and Iran-aligned Hezbollah have intensified.
Key Elements of the Proposed Deal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remarked on Friday that while modifications to the deal remain possible, the tentative agreement indicates that Iran has emerged stronger from the conflict.
In a related development, US forces reportedly intercepted multiple Iranian drones heading towards the Strait of Hormuz, which posed a threat to commercial shipping. US Central Command confirmed that the strait, a vital route for global oil supplies, remains open.
The proposed memorandum of understanding includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade. Subsequent negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which Trump cited as a primary reason for initiating the conflict, are expected to follow.
A US official indicated that Iran is required to open the Strait of Hormuz, potentially without tolls, in conjunction with the lifting of the blockade. The official also mentioned that the next phase would involve demining the strait, possibly with assistance from G7 countries.
Financial Implications and Frozen Assets
Draft terms shared by multiple sources suggest that the US would initiate the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and waive sanctions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for Iran’s commitment to open the strait.
Baghaei confirmed that the release of frozen assets is a crucial component of the agreement and mentioned that Iran would need to charge for services rendered in the Strait of Hormuz. He also indicated that foreign military bases in the region should cease operations, although he did not provide further details.
The discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program are expected to take place over a 60-day period. A US official stated that the agreement aims to lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, including the destruction and removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
However, Araqchi countered that Iran has not agreed to dismantle its nuclear program and wishes to retain uranium in a diluted form. The proposals also encompass discussions on potential war reparations for Tehran and the possibility of dropping longstanding US demands regarding limits on Iran’s missile program, although the US official disputed this characterization.
Israel’s Position on the Agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not be a party to the agreement. He has previously clashed with Trump over US demands that Israel limit military actions in Lebanon to facilitate a deal with Tehran.
Araqchi asserted that the agreement would lead to the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, implying a withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories. However, Israel’s defense minister has firmly stated that there will be no withdrawal, and a senior Israeli official emphasized that Israel expects to maintain its freedom to act against perceived threats.
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Published on 2026-06-13 16:00:00 • By the Editorial Desk
