Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Signed This Weekend
Amid ongoing Iran tensions, President Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the war with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Iranian officials said they had not reached a final decision and tensions continued in the Strait of Hormuz. [1]
Trump Announces Imminent Iran Deal
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that the United States had reached a strong memorandum of understanding with Iran. [1] He described the agreement as conceptual in nature and said it would open the Strait of Hormuz upon signing. [1] Trump indicated the signing could occur soon, very soon, possibly over the weekend in Europe, and noted that Vice President JD Vance would attend. [1] When asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the deal, Trump replied that he understood the answer to be yes. [1] The president has repeatedly claimed since mid-March that a settlement was close, and he stated that any final agreement must ensure Iran cannot develop or purchase nuclear weapons. [1]
Iranian Response on Agreement Status
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said large parts of the agreement have been finalized. [1] He added that Iran would not compromise on its red lines and that the matter remains under review by the relevant decision-making bodies. [1] Baghaei stated that Tehran has not reached a final conclusion on the pact. [1] Iranian officials have continued to signal that talks over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and the fragile ceasefire are still alive even while balancing threats of retaliation. [4]
Continued Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones after Tehran attempted to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. [1] Iran’s military stopped a tanker from transiting the strait, and state media reported the sound of explosions early on Friday. [1] Iranian officials have threatened Hormuz escalation in statements tied to the ongoing situation. [4] The three-month-old war has killed thousands and sent global energy prices sharply higher after Iran all but closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. [1]
Recent Military Actions and Threats
Earlier on Thursday, Trump said the United States would hit Iran very hard that night and wanted eventually to take its oil infrastructure hub, Kharg Island. [1] He later called off planned military strikes on Iran, citing progress in talks. [1] Iran conducted retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting 18 sites including Ali El Salim and Ahmed El Cabir air bases in Kuwait and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. [3] Iranian leaders warned that if the United States attempts renewed attacks, a much harsher response would follow and the fire of war would spread further. [2] Trump has said that without an agreement, strikes would continue and become even harder. [3]
Market Reactions and Political Context
Asian stocks joined a strong global rally on Friday on hopes that a peace deal may finally materialize. [1] Oil prices fell to two-month lows amid the same expectations. [1] The conflict has become a political headache for the White House, with polls showing Trump’s approval ratings sinking amid voter anger over high gasoline prices. [1] Some Republicans have openly worried that the war’s unpopularity could cost them control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. [1]
Regional Reactions Including Israel
Trump said on social media that the agreement had been approved by countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. [1] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated after the Israeli leader spoke with Trump that Israel was not a party to the memorandum of understanding with Iran. [1] Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment to securing a deal that includes removing enriched material, dismantling enrichment infrastructure, limiting missile output, and ending support for regional proxies. [1] Security sources told Israeli state television KAN that the Israeli military did not directly participate in recent operations, which were carried out entirely by U.S. warplanes and warships. [3]
What to watch next: Further statements from Iranian decision-making bodies on whether a final conclusion is reached, any additional incidents involving drones or tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and reactions from Middle East governments to the proposed memorandum of understanding.
