US-Iran Deal: Trump Claims Signing Imminent While Tehran Disputes Timing
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that a bilateral agreement to ease tensions with Iran would be signed within 24 hours, according to a White House statement. The declaration came as Iranian officials cast doubt on the timeline, with a government spokesperson stating the deal’s finalization required further negotiations.
Trump’s assertion followed reports from multiple news outlets, including NBC News, which cited diplomatic sources indicating the framework for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz had been largely finalized. The agreement, according to the network, would involve Iran halting nuclear-related activities in exchange for eased economic sanctions and assurances of maritime security. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the talks had reached a “critical phase” but emphasized no formal document had been signed.
Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement rejecting the notion of an imminent signing, citing “unresolved technical and political issues.” The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, highlighted Tehran’s demand for “concrete guarantees” on U.S. compliance with previous nuclear accords. A senior Iranian diplomat, quoted by Reuters, reiterated that the Islamic Republic would not accept “unilateral conditions” from Washington.
The conflicting accounts underscored the fragile state of the negotiations, which have oscillated between optimism and skepticism since late 2019. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil trade, has been a focal point of the dispute, with both sides acknowledging its strategic importance. A U.S. naval official, speaking to CNN, noted that while a temporary arrangement to prevent clashes had been agreed upon, the broader nuclear and security framework remained under discussion.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders declined to confirm the 24-hour timeline during a Sunday briefing, stating, “The administration is focused on securing a deal that protects American interests and regional stability.” Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s office reiterated calls for “mutual trust” in a tweet, though it did not address specific terms of the proposed agreement.
Analysts noted the timing of the announcements coincided with heightened diplomatic activity, including a phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday. The conversation, disclosed by the State Department, centered on “practical steps to de-escalate tensions,” though no details of the discussion were released.
As of Sunday evening, neither side had provided a definitive timeline for the deal’s formalization. The U.S. Department of Defense, however, confirmed that naval forces in the region had been directed to “maintain a posture of readiness” while negotiations continued.