Trump: 139 Ships Blocked, Iran Deal With Cash Rewards "Days Away"
A potential deal between the United States and Iran is reportedly close to being finalized, with President Donald Trump claiming an agreement could be signed within days. The proposed framework includes economic incentives for Tehran and an end to the U.S. naval blockade that has already redirected 139 commercial vessels.
President Donald Trump announced he has canceled planned military strikes against Iran, stating that an agreement has been reached with Iranian leadership at the "highest level" [170871][171001]. Trump said the final version of the agreement is being prepared and a signing ceremony could take place in Europe over the weekend [170998][171370]. "I understand that Iran's supreme leader has approved the deal," Trump stated [170998].
The proposed agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, which has been closed by Iran [170987][171370]. Trump confirmed the naval blockade of Iran will remain until the deal is formalized [170871]. The U.S. military has redirected 139 vessels and disrupted the routes of nine ships since imposing the blockade on Iranian ports [171500]. The operation aims to enforce sanctions by preventing cargo from reaching or leaving Iranian waters [171500].
A senior administration official revealed that the proposed agreement includes a clear economic incentive: Iran would receive financial rewards if it meets its obligations under the deal [171505]. Iran has demanded the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and an end to sanctions as conditions for ending the war [170871].
Iran announced on Tuesday that the "main part" of a text outlining a potential understanding has been finalized, though a spokesperson warned that Washington's "contradictory positions" continue to disrupt the overall negotiation process [170830]. Tehran has denied that any deal has been approved, with Iran's official Fars news agency reporting that "nothing" has been finalized [171085][171001]. However, Fars later reported there is a high probability Iran will accept the agreement [170998].
Key sticking points remain, including Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and support for regional armed groups [171334]. Iran demands that the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah be included in any future peace agreement [169859]. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Qatar's emir welcoming diplomatic progress and Egypt's foreign minister holding separate calls with his Pakistani and Iranian counterparts on the negotiations [170837][171496].
Financial markets reacted sharply to the news, with U.S. stock indexes surging and oil prices dropping from nearly $94 a barrel to under $89 [171001][171112].