US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that a peace agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” signalling a possible breakthrough in the more than two-month-long conflict in West Asia.
In a social media post, Trump said the proposed agreement would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit route whose closure had severely disrupted international energy markets after the conflict started in February.
According to Trump, the understanding was reached following his phone calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain. He also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other countries, as listed,” Trump wrote.
“Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly,” he added.
However, details of the proposed agreement remain unclear. Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency reported early Sunday that the deal would allow Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz. The agency also described Trump’s claim of a near-final agreement as “inconsistent with reality.”
According to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the talks, the proposed framework is expected to unfold in three stages: formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and launching a 30-day window for negotiations on a broader agreement, which can be extended.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that negotiations between Washington and Tehran had made some progress.
“There has been some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, some work is being done,” Rubio told reporters during his four-day visit to India.
“There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, or in a couple of days, we may have something to say,” he added.
Despite the diplomatic developments, Trump indicated that military options remain under consideration. Speaking to Axios, the US President said he would decide on Sunday whether to resume attacks on Iran.
“Either we reach a good deal or I’ll blow them to a thousand hells,” Axios quoted Trump as saying.
