**Trump Insists US-Iran Deal to Be Signed on Sunday Amid Ongoing Uncertainty**
In a significant development in international relations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that a framework agreement aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran is set to be signed on Sunday. This date coincides with Trump's 80th birthday, adding a personal milestone to the diplomatic proceedings.
Leaders from the U.S. and Pakistan expressed optimism regarding the agreement, which has been in negotiation for several months. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that preparations for an electronic signing ceremony were underway, with plans for technical discussions to follow in the coming week. However, uncertainty looms as Iranian officials indicated that a final decision on the agreement had not yet been reached. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that the agreement would “not be tomorrow” but could be finalized “in the coming days.”
Reports from Iranian news agency Fars suggested that Tehran was still reviewing the political, legal, and technical aspects of the proposal, casting doubt on the timeline for the agreement's finalization. A source familiar with the negotiations revealed that Qatari negotiators traveled to Tehran on Sunday to assist in the discussions.
Trump emphasized that the signing of the framework agreement would lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Sources involved in the negotiations indicated that the U.S. would lift its naval blockade in conjunction with this development, while discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program would be addressed in a subsequent phase.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated on February 28 with military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, has significantly impacted Iran’s military infrastructure. Analysts noted that the fighting has inadvertently bolstered the position of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps within Iran's political landscape. Despite the potential for diplomatic progress, military tensions remain high. The U.S. military reported intercepting multiple Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, while Israel conducted strikes against over 70 Hezbollah-linked sites in Lebanon within a 24-hour period.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed Trump’s calls for Israel to limit military operations in Lebanon while negotiations with Tehran are ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi commented that the draft agreement reflects Iran's strengthened position following the conflict, although he acknowledged that modifications to the text could still occur.
Public sentiment in Iran appears divided, with hardline protesters expressing strong opposition to the proposed agreement. Demonstrations in Mashhad featured chants such as “Death to the compromiser” and “Compromiser, resign, resign,” seemingly directed at Araqchi.
According to draft terms shared by sources familiar with the negotiations, the U.S. would begin to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and ease restrictions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei emphasized that the release of frozen assets is a critical component of the agreement, asserting that Tehran anticipates charging for services provided in the strait. A U.S. official clarified that reopening the waterway is a core requirement and suggested that it could operate toll-free, with demining operations potentially involving members of the Group of Seven.
Baghaei also called for the removal of foreign military bases in the region, although he did not elaborate on this point. The agreement outlines a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear program, with a U.S. official stating that the process aims to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Araqchi previously noted that Iran's preferred approach would involve diluting the material while retaining it domestically.
As the scheduled signing approaches, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have significant implications for regional stability and global diplomatic relations. The situation remains fluid, with both optimism and skepticism surrounding the potential for a lasting resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict.