Trump Says Iran War Deal Could Be Signed This Weekend
US President Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the Iran war could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as he threatened to hit Iran very hard on Thursday night and raised the possibility of seizing its key oil hub at Kharg Island. [1] [2]
Trump Announces Potential Peace Deal
US President Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend. [1] Trump announced a great settlement of the war with Iran, subject to finalization of documents over the next few days, with a possible signing in Europe. [1] The announcement came directly from the president, who said the documents should get done over the next few days. [1] Trump indicated the signing might take place in Europe once the paperwork is complete. [1] This statement positioned the potential agreement as imminent following recent developments in the conflict. [1]
US Threats of Further Strikes and Seizure of Oil Infrastructure
US President Donald Trump speaks about striking Iran and a potential peace deal. — Source: channelnewsasia Trump posted that the US would hit Iran very hard Thursday night, noting that Iran's navy, air force, radar, anti-aircraft, and most offensive capabilities are gone. [2] The president later said the US would take Kharg Island and assume control of its oil and gas markets. [2] Trump referred to Iran's main oil hub in the context of assuming total control much like the approach taken with Venezuela. [2] Iran exports most of its oil via Kharg Island with volumes usually accounting for around 2 per cent of global supply and flowing mainly to China. [2] The social media post framed the planned action as a response after a second day of strikes by both sides in the Gulf. [2]
Intensified Negotiations Amid Hostilities
Indirect US-Iranian talks on a preliminary peace deal have intensified despite renewed hostilities, with discussions on releasing frozen Iranian funds, ending Israeli attacks in Lebanon, lifting sanctions, and ensuring Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. [2] Three Iranian sources and Western officials confirmed that talks had intensified even as hostilities continued. [2] Issues under discussion include a mechanism for the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. [2] Iran wants its funds abroad to be unfrozen and released directly to Tehran, while Washington wants to release funds in stages for humanitarian goods. [2] Tehran is also demanding an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions on Iran and recognition of its control of the Strait of Hormuz. [2] Trump says Iran must end restrictions on shipping through the strait and that any peace deal must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. [2] Iran denies any such ambition. [2]
Iranian Warnings and Mobilization
{IMAGE_3} Iran's top negotiator warned against impulsive decisions that could explode energy infrastructure and create a quagmire, while Iran's military command said the US would receive a more severe response if attacks continue. [2] Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned against any rash moves. [2] Qalibaf wrote that wrong strategies and impulsive decisions will reset the entire board for the worse, explode energy infrastructure and markets and create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years. [2] Iran's top joint military command said in a statement that the US would receive a more severe response than before if it were to go ahead with renewed attacks. [2] After Trump's threat, Iran's Red Crescent said in a statement on its Telegram channel that it had mobilised its members across the country. [2]
War Impact and International Calls for Peace
The war, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has killed thousands mainly in Iran and Lebanon, pushed up global oil prices, and led to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and a US blockade of Iranian oil exports. [2] The war has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and pushed up global oil prices since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. [2] Oil prices were almost flat on Thursday, however, as investors weighed Trump's comments with the actual impact of supply disruptions from the conflict. [2] UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for redoubled efforts toward a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable agreement. [2] United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on both sides to redouble their efforts towards a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable agreement that advances regional and international peace and security. [2]
Prospects and Challenges for Resolution
The Trump administration has framed this week's strikes both as acts of self-defence and as a negotiating strategy. [2] Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the attacks would improve the U.S. position at the bargaining table, adding that if we need to negotiate with bombs, we'll negotiate with bombs. [2] One Iranian source stated that this war, from a military standpoint, is a dead end and that the Americans could not achieve their goals by attacking Iran. [2] There has been progress in negotiations according to the source. [2] Trump told Fox News on Thursday the US was still talking with Iran. [2] Trump said his preference has always been to take Kharg Island but added that he did not know that America has the stomach for it. [2] Any move to capture Kharg Island would not have an immediate impact on oil shipments because flows have been suspended in recent weeks following a US blockade of Iranian oil exports imposed after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The US would have to deploy ground forces to seize the Kharg Island complex, a goal analysts say could be achieved relatively quickly but may not lead to a quick end to the war. [2] US troops would be exposed to missile and drone attacks during any assault. [2]
What to watch next: Trump indicated documents for the settlement should get done over the next few days with a possible signing in Europe, while indirect talks continue on frozen funds, sanctions, and the Strait of Hormuz.
