US-Iran peace deal remains uncertain amid conflicting claims
The prospect of an immediate end to the US-Iran war remains unclear as officials from both sides issue contradictory statements about negotiations and a possible agreement.
Uncertainty persists over a potential US-Iran peace deal as conflicting claims emerge from both sides. US President Donald Trump lashed out on social media, calling Iranians "very dishonorable people" and warning they must act in good faith. This outburst followed Iranian state media denying a full agreement had been reached and publishing a supposed draft deal.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed a final text had been agreed, without providing details. Neither Tehran nor Washington has confirmed this. A senior US official estimated an 80-85% chance of signing within days, citing internal Iranian divisions. The official added that Iran would receive economic rewards for compliance.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the "Islamabad memorandum of understanding" was closer than ever but urged media not to speculate. Iran's state news agency IRNA confirmed outlines were being finalized but insisted Iran would not give up control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. The US demands freedom of navigation, and a US official said the strait will open and the blockade on Iranian ports will be lifted.
Since a ceasefire in April, Trump has oscillated between claiming a deal is imminent and issuing threats. Recent days saw the most intense clashes since the ceasefire. Trump threatened to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal, then claimed a diplomatic breakthrough.
Iran's Mehr news agency published a draft including ending conflict on all fronts, releasing $24bn in frozen assets, a 60-day nuclear negotiation period, and US reparations. In contrast, US officials say the deal requires Iran to destroy nuclear material, dismantle its program, and halt support for militant groups.
US forces shot down two Iranian drones after attacks on commercial ships in the strait. Trump faces domestic pressure as fuel prices rise, hurting his approval ratings. Iran struggles with sanctions and inflation, with President Pezeshkian admitting governance difficulties.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he fully agrees with Trump on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. A Hezbollah politician expressed confidence that Iran will insist on including Lebanon in any deal. The war in Lebanon continues despite US-brokered ceasefires, and Hezbollah is not part of those talks.
