US President Donald Trump has announced that a peace agreement with Iran is nearing completion following comprehensive talks with various Middle Eastern leaders, as well as Pakistan and Israel. Trump indicated that the prospective agreement would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and could potentially bring an end to the conflict that erupted earlier this year. He described the negotiations as “largely negotiated,” with only a few final details pending before an official declaration can be made.
The discussions reportedly included leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, and Pakistan, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Trump’s statement faced resistance from Iranian officials, particularly concerning the control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian representatives asserted that the waterway would remain under Iran’s jurisdiction, including the management of shipping routes and permits.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about the diplomatic progress and indicated that Pakistan aims to facilitate another round of talks between the US and Iran soon. Notably, Pakistan’s military chief, General Syed Asim Munir, has been instrumental in the mediation efforts and has recently engaged in discussions with Iranian leaders in Tehran.
The draft of the proposed agreement is believed to encompass a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without imposing tolls, easing constraints on Iranian oil exports, and the renewal of discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program. In exchange, the US might consider easing restrictions on Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian assets as part of a wider settlement.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic momentum, tensions remain palpable. Trump cautioned that military action could be reinitiated if the negotiations falter. Meanwhile, some critics within the Republican Party have voiced concerns that the proposed terms resemble previous nuclear agreements they opposed. The potential agreement has sparked a debate in Washington, with its supporters advocating it as a means to avoid further conflict and economic upheaval, while detractors warn it could enhance Iran’s regional influence.