DistantNews
Support us
US, Iran Inch Closer to Deal to End Middle East War, Timing Remains Unclear
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

US, Iran Inch Closer to Deal to End Middle East War, Timing Remains Unclear

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • US and Pakistani leaders indicated a framework agreement to end the war between the US and Iran was set to be signed, with timing uncertain.
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry cautioned against confirming a Sunday signing, suggesting it might occur in the coming days, while hardliners voiced opposition.
  • The US military reported shooting down Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon amid ongoing clashes.

Leaders in the United States and Pakistan have signaled that a long-sought framework agreement to end the conflict between Washington and Tehran is nearing completion, though the exact timing remains unclear. US President Donald Trump announced on social media that the deal was scheduled for signing on Sunday, his 80th birthday, and suggested the vital Strait of Hormuz would be immediately reopened.

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

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, cautioning against confirming a specific signing date.

However, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while stating that a framework for peace had been agreed upon and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, noted that Iran had not confirmed the Sunday date. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, had previously advised caution regarding the timeline, indicating that the signing would not happen on Sunday but could occur "in the coming days."

Despite the diplomatic efforts, hardline protesters in Iran have expressed strong opposition to any agreement. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators in Tehran chanting against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom they seemed to blame for potential concessions to the US. These protests highlight internal divisions within Iran regarding the potential deal.

Araghchi have some shame, let go of America!

— ProtestersChanted by hardline protesters in Tehran, expressing opposition to the potential deal.

Meanwhile, clashes persist on the ground. The US military reported intercepting multiple Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday. Concurrently, Israel announced it had struck over 70 sites in Lebanon against Iranian-backed Hezbollah, indicating continued regional tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly clashed with Trump over US pressure for Israel to curb military actions in Lebanon to facilitate the US-Iran deal.

It will immediately be open to all.

— Donald TrumpReferring to the Strait of Hormuz after the framework deal is signed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog