Middle East Live: Trump claims Iran deal near, Tehran tempers expectations

In a dramatic shift, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Thursday that a "very good deal" with Iran was reached and could be signed as early as this weekend in Europe. This announcement followed hours after Trump had threatened new strikes.

However, Iran's Foreign Ministry tempered the optimism, stating that the country has not yet made a final decision regarding the agreement with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei informed state media that Iran has not yet reached a definitive conclusion on the accord.

Details emerging about the proposed deal suggest a significant concession from Iran. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that Trump pledged the agreement would mandate the removal of enriched nuclear material from Tehran. Netanyahu's office stated on X that Trump committed to the final deal including the elimination of enriched uranium, dismantling of enrichment facilities, limits on missile production, and an end to Iran's support for regional proxy groups.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the conflict escalated as ten hospital staff in the southern city of Tyre were injured during an Israeli bombing on Thursday, according to the hospital's director. Israel has continued its raids in southern Lebanon.