US and Iran close to deal to end war, officials say

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United States and Iran are close to signing an agreement to end their war, three regional officials told The Associated Press on Friday. A senior U.S. official said the tentative deal includes terms for removing and destroying nuclear material from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that an agreement “has never been closer.” He gave no details, saying a final deal was still pending. The breakthrough comes after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel over three days this week. The conflict, launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28, has rattled the Middle East and nearly shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7. The regional officials said the emerging deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and gas. It also includes the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. A senior U.S. official said key terms include dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and Iran agreeing not to fund terrorist groups. The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to provide details. Underscoring the fragility of the talks, President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at Iranian officials on social media, saying: “They better get their act together, and FAST!” Iran’s nuclear program has been a key point of division. The U.S. and Israel fear it could lead to an atomic weapon — a main reason they cited for going to war. Tehran insists its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy supplies, driven up fuel prices, and made food and other basics more expensive worldwide. The U.S. has responded since mid-April with a naval blockade of Iranian ports to choke off Iran’s oil exports. The regional officials said they expect a signing ceremony in the coming days after officials in Washington and Tehran approve it. “This deal has the potential to remake the region and lead to lasting peace,” Vice President JD Vance said Friday on social media. Trump on Thursday claimed significant progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on state television that the text of a deal was “mostly finalized.” Pakistan has been leading mediation efforts, backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not a party to the deal. He said he and Trump were in “full agreement” that Iran must not have nuclear weapons. Israel’s Defense Minister warned that Israel could still act independently toward Iran and would not withdraw from occupied zones in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, or the West Bank. Iran has insisted any deal must also end fighting in Lebanon between its ally Hezbollah and Israel. Netanyahu appears intent on destroying the militant group, complicating negotiations.