Iran Deal to Be Signed Sunday? Trump Says Yes, Iran Says No

A delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran on Sunday to help push forward talks between Tehran and Washington, according to Iranian media [172420]. The visit comes after Pakistan confirmed on Friday that the two sides had reached a “final and agreed text of the peace agreement,” marking the most significant diplomatic progress since the U.S.-led offensive against Iran began [172420][172419].

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that an agreement “has never been closer” to completion [171747]. However, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told the Tasnim news agency that the “exact” signing time “will not be tomorrow,” warning of “the instability of the counterparty” [172419]. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the deal would be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward [172419].

The emerging deal is expected to include the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity [171747]. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7, following a conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28 that has rattled the Middle East and nearly shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf [171747].

Despite the optimistic signals, specific terms remain unclear, and neither U.S. nor Iranian officials have confirmed that a final text has been agreed upon [172420]. All three parties agree that when the signing happens, it will be done virtually through electronic means [172420].