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US, Iran inch closer to deal, timing remains unclear

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • U.S. and Iranian leaders indicated a potential framework agreement to end the conflict, with a Sunday signing forecast.
  • Iran cast doubt on the timing, with its foreign ministry suggesting it would not be signed the next day but possibly in the coming days.
  • Hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition to the deal, while clashes continued amid a U.S. blockade and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. and Pakistani leaders projected a Sunday signing for a long-awaited framework agreement to end the conflict between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump announced on social media that the deal was scheduled for signing on his birthday, June 14. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both sides had agreed on a peace deal framework and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, to be followed by technical talks.

It will not be tomorrow, but it could happen in the coming days.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei commented on the potential timing of the agreement.

However, Iran did not confirm the Sunday signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned against speculating on the timing, noting that the agreement "will not be tomorrow," but could occur "in the coming days." Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies that Iran had previously blocked, would be "open to all" immediately after the framework deal's signing.

Araqchi have some shame, let go of America!

— ProtestersHardline protesters in Tehran chanted slogans against Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Despite the apparent progress, hardline Iranian protesters expressed opposition to the agreement. Videos circulating on social media and Iranian news websites showed demonstrators gathering in Tehran, chanting slogans against Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Experts suggest that while U.S. bombings have degraded Iran's military-industrial base, the conflict has solidified the dominance of the hardline Revolutionary Guard. Clashes have persisted, with the U.S. military maintaining a blockade and seeking to ease Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handled 20% of the world's oil shipments.

Trump called on Iranians to rise up and take over state institutions.

— U.S. MilitaryThe U.S. military stated Trump's initial call to Iranians when the war began.

In related developments, U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday. Israel, which maintains it is not a party to the U.S.-Iran deal, reported striking over 70 sites in Lebanon against Iranian ally Hezbollah within a 24-hour period. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously disagreed with U.S. demands for Israel to reduce military actions in Lebanon to facilitate the U.S.-Iran deal.

Israel has struck more than 70 sites over a 24-hour period in Lebanon against Iranian ally Hezbollah.

— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuNetanyahu stated Israel's actions against Hezbollah.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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