**Trump Praises Putin and Xi for Role in Iran Peace Deal**
In a recent interview with the New York Times, U.S. President Donald Trump commended Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping for their contributions to a newly established peace settlement with Iran. This announcement comes shortly after Trump revealed that a deal, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, had been reached between Washington and Tehran.
The agreement, detailed in a 14-point memorandum of understanding, includes significant provisions aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region. Key elements of the deal involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, the easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. A formal signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Friday. Additionally, Iran is expected to reaffirm its commitment to abstain from developing nuclear weapons, with final negotiations on nuclear issues anticipated to conclude within the next 60 days.
During the interview, Trump highlighted Xi's diplomatic approach, describing him as “a total gentleman.” He contrasted this with potential military escalations, noting that China refrained from sending military vessels to challenge blockades, which could have escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Russia has consistently advocated for de-escalation throughout the ongoing conflict, which has intensified since late February. The Kremlin has condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, labeling them as “unprovoked acts of armed aggression.” Since the onset of hostilities, Trump and Putin have held multiple phone conversations, discussing the situation and the nearly finalized memorandum.
In addition to supporting the peace negotiations, Russia has proposed a compromise involving Iran's nuclear program. Moscow has offered to transport and store Iran's enriched uranium stockpile on Russian territory. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that this proposal had been discussed but indicated that Tehran was not yet prepared to formalize it, expressing gratitude for Russia's willingness to assist in resolving the issue.
As the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has led to increased oil prices, Putin has addressed concerns regarding Russia's economic position amid the conflict. He dismissed notions that Russia was the primary beneficiary of the oil price surge, stating that the current rally is temporary and emphasizing the importance of establishing long-term relationships with international partners. Putin expressed a desire for an end to the conflict as soon as possible, indicating that stability in the region is of mutual interest.
The developments surrounding the Iran peace deal mark a significant diplomatic achievement for the involved nations, reflecting a collaborative effort to address longstanding tensions in the region. The upcoming signing ceremony in Geneva is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations and could pave the way for a more stable geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.