United States President Donald Trump says a broader agreement between Washington and Iran is close to completion, raising hopes of a possible end to months of tensions and conflict.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, said negotiations involving the United States, Iran and other countries had advanced significantly, though final details were still being worked out.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation,” Trump said, adding that discussions were focused on what he described as a framework for peace.
According to the US president, he held talks from the Oval Office with several Gulf and regional leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain.
Trump said he also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that the conversation “went very well.”
One of the key outcomes of the proposed agreement, Trump claimed, would be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil shipping route that has been affected by the conflict.
Regional diplomats involved in the discussions described the conversations as positive, saying leaders encouraged Trump to support the proposed framework with Iran.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told CNN that mediators from Qatar and Pakistan had been holding talks in Tehran, helping both sides move closer to an understanding that could pave the way for a more detailed long-term agreement.
Despite the optimism, uncertainty remains.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump told Axios that chances of reaching a deal stood at a “solid 50/50,” warning that failure could lead to renewed military action.
“We could have a good deal, or we could blow them to kingdom come,” Trump reportedly said.
The possible deal has, however, sparked concern in Israel and among some Republican lawmakers in the United States.
Israeli officials fear any interim agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease pressure on Iran without adequately addressing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and uranium stockpile.
US Senators Roger Wicker and Lindsey Graham also voiced caution, warning against what they see as a weak agreement with Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations were focused on finalising a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and addressing issues such as the US naval blockade and frozen Iranian assets.
However, Tehran maintained that its nuclear programme was not currently part of the talks.
Iranian officials also struck a defiant tone, insisting the country would not compromise on what it considers its national rights, while warning that any return to war would trigger a tougher response.
Although progress has been reported, negotiators on both sides say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the talks produce a lasting breakthrough or collapse into renewed confrontation.
