In a significant diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran is nearing completion. The announcement follows extensive dialogues with leaders from the Middle East, Pakistan, and Israel. Trump suggested that the potential agreement would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and work towards resolving the conflict that erupted earlier this year.
President Trump indicated that the deal is “largely negotiated,” with only minor details pending before a formal declaration can be made. The negotiations reportedly involved key figures from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, and Pakistan, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite these claims, Iranian officials have contested some aspects of Trump’s statement, particularly concerning the control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains that it will retain authority over the strategic waterway, including decisions about shipping routes and permissions.
Welcoming the progress, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that his country could soon host another round of talks between the United States and Iran. Reports underscore the pivotal role played by Pakistan’s army chief, General Syed Asim Munir, who has been actively involved in mediating the discussions, even holding recent meetings with Iranian leaders in Tehran.
The draft proposal, as reported, could encompass a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz without imposing tolls, easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and renewing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In exchange, the United States might ease restrictions on Iranian ports and release frozen Iranian assets as part of the broader agreement.
Despite the diplomatic progress, the situation remains tense. President Trump cautioned that military action could be reconsidered if negotiations collapse. Meanwhile, some critics, particularly within the Republican Party, argue that the proposed terms closely resemble previous nuclear agreements they have opposed. In Washington, the potential deal has sparked debate, with supporters advocating it as a means to prevent further conflict and economic turmoil, while detractors fear it could bolster Iran’s influence in the region.