ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that a deal with Iran regarding the ongoing conflict, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has been "largely negotiated" following discussions with Israel and other regional allies. Trump indicated that the final details of the agreement are currently under discussion and will be announced soon. He mentioned having conversations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and separately with Israel.
Trump referred to the agreement as a "Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE" that requires finalization among the United States, Iran, and the other involved nations. This announcement follows a week in which the U.S. considered new military actions against Iran, which could disrupt a fragile ceasefire.
No details were provided regarding Iran's nuclear program or highly enriched uranium, which Iran has indicated it wishes to address later. There was no immediate response from Iran or Israel. Trump noted that his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has advocated for military action, went "very well."
A regional official with knowledge of mediation efforts led by Pakistan indicated that the U.S. and Iran are nearing a deal to conclude the conflict. However, the official cautioned that "last-minute disputes" could jeopardize these negotiations. The proposed deal would reportedly include a formal declaration of the war's end and a two-month negotiation period concerning Iran's nuclear program, alongside the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran has shown signs of narrowing differences in negotiations, particularly after discussions involving Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, in Tehran. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for Trump's peace efforts and indicated that Pakistan would continue to facilitate peace initiatives.
The conflict has seen significant military actions, including U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran that resulted in the deaths of high-ranking officials, including its supreme leader. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7, but Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised global economic concerns.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, described the ongoing negotiations as a "framework agreement" focused on ending the war. He emphasized that nuclear issues are not part of the current discussions, with the primary focus on concluding the conflict and addressing sanctions on Iran.
Trump previously indicated that he delayed military action against Iran due to ongoing negotiations, which he described as serious. Iranian officials have warned that any resumption of attacks would lead to severe consequences. The war's objectives have not been fully realized, with Iran maintaining its enriched uranium and missile program, while continuing to support regional armed groups.