US President Donald Trump has said an initial agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran is close, expressing optimism that a formal deal could be finalized in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump stated that significant progress had been made toward a settlement, describing the negotiations as a major step toward preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to the US president, the draft agreement is nearing completion and could be officially signed soon, possibly during a meeting in Europe. He also suggested that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route, could follow the signing of the accord.
Despite Trump’s confidence, Iranian officials have urged caution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said reports of a finalized agreement were premature, stressing that discussions were still ongoing and that no binding deal had yet been concluded.
Baghaei acknowledged that much of the proposed memorandum had already been drafted but said Tehran remained opposed to what it described as additional demands introduced by Washington. He reiterated that Iran would not compromise on its core positions during the negotiations.
The latest developments come amid continued tensions between the two countries. Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, the United States and Israel have carried out extensive strikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran has responded with attacks on Israel and US-aligned interests in the Gulf region.
Although a ceasefire was announced in April, both sides have continued to exchange periodic strikes, raising concerns about the stability of the truce.
Financial markets reacted positively to Trump’s comments, with global oil prices falling sharply amid expectations that a diplomatic breakthrough could reduce tensions and improve energy supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held discussions with Trump regarding the negotiations. While Israel confirmed the conversation, it emphasized that it was not directly involved in the proposed memorandum. Israeli officials said they continued to support measures aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities, missile development programs and regional influence.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump had warned that the United States was prepared to intensify military pressure on Iran, including potential action against key oil infrastructure. Iran responded by warning that any further attacks could trigger a stronger retaliation and threaten energy exports across the region.
Recent military exchanges have included US strikes on Iranian military installations and Iranian attacks targeting American-linked facilities in several Middle Eastern countries.
The continuing confrontation has prompted renewed international calls for restraint. The United Nations, along with several major countries including China, Russia, India, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, has urged all parties to avoid further escalation and return to diplomatic efforts.
While negotiations appear to be advancing, uncertainty remains over whether the two sides can bridge their remaining differences and transform the current framework into a lasting agreement.
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