US-Iran Peace Deal Remains Elusive Amid Conflicting Claims
The prospects for an end to the US-Iran war remain uncertain as both sides trade contradictory statements. Trump accuses Iran of dishonesty, while Iran denies a deal is finalized, and regional allies claim progress.
Hopes for a swift end to the war between the United States and Iran remained uncertain on Friday as a series of conflicting claims emerged from both sides. President Donald Trump took to social media to denounce Iran as "very dishonorable" and demanded they "get their act together, and FAST!" This came after he had earlier suggested a preliminary deal could be signed as soon as this weekend.
Adding to the confusion, Iranian state media denied that the terms of any deal had been fully agreed upon and published a supposed draft of a finalized agreement. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed on social media that a final text had been agreed, though neither Tehran nor Washington confirmed this. A senior US official estimated an 80–85% likelihood of a deal within days, citing internal divisions in Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said an "Islamabad memorandum of understanding" was closer than ever but urged media not to speculate. One key sticking point is the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran has effectively closed it to most shipping, while the US demands freedom of navigation. A US official stated the strait would open and the blockade on Iranian ports would be lifted as part of the deal.
Details leaked by Iranian semi-official agency Mehr included demands for the release of $24 billion in frozen assets and a 60-day period for nuclear talks. Washington, however, insists the deal requires destroying Iran's nuclear material and dismantling its program. The war in Lebanon also complicates matters, as Hezbollah insists on being included in any agreement. Israel, not party to the negotiations, continues strikes in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu said he and Trump are in "full agreement" on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump faces domestic pressure as his approval ratings drop due to rising fuel prices. Iran's regime also struggles with restricted oil exports and soaring inflation. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the difficult test the country faces.
