Iran says no final decision made on deal Trump hopes could be signed soon
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- US President Donald Trump announced a potential peace deal with Iran that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it might be signed over the weekend.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry countered that no final decision has been reached, though parts of the negotiation text are finalized, and Iran will not compromise on its core principles.
- The potential deal aims to end a three-month war that has caused thousands of deaths and driven up global energy prices, following recent tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that a peace deal with Iran, which would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, could be signed as early as this weekend. Trump told reporters at the White House that "We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran" and that "The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe." He also stated, in response to a question about approval from Iran's Supreme Leader, "I understand the answer is yes."
We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran.
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that the country has not reached a final decision on an agreement. He noted that while large parts of the negotiation text have been finalized, Iran would not compromise on its "red lines." Baghaei described the issue as "very important" and currently under review by relevant decision-making bodies.
Trump's announcement came after he had previously called off planned military strikes on Iran, citing progress in talks. The potential agreement, if confirmed, would represent a significant diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending the three-month war that has resulted in thousands of casualties and sharply increased global energy prices. U.S. stocks rose and oil prices fell on the news of the potential deal.
The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe.
This development follows a period of intensified conflict, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat strikes. Despite a ceasefire announced in April, recent days have seen increased tensions. After a U.S. Apache helicopter was downed, Trump ordered new strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in the region. Bahrain's interior ministry reported minor injuries and property damage from falling debris after Iranian drones were intercepted.
I understand the answer is yes.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that any peace deal must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. Iran's reported demands include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has framed the deal as one that would ensure "no nuclear weapons in Iran."
We have not reached a final conclusion on this matter. This is a very important issue that is currently being reviewed by the relevant decision-making bodies.
Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.