US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to be signed on Sunday, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough after months of conflict, military escalation and difficult negotiations.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the proposed agreement would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world`s most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
“The deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is open to all,” Trump said.
Trump contrasts proposed deal with 2015 nuclear agreement
The US President described the proposed agreement as fundamentally different from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was negotiated during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
According to Trump, the new arrangement is designed to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
He claimed that Tehran no longer seeks to develop or obtain nuclear weapons and said the agreement would create safeguards preventing any future nuclear weapons programme.
Trump has repeatedly criticised the 2015 accord and withdrew the United States from the agreement during his earlier term in office, arguing that it failed to adequately address concerns regarding Iran`s nuclear ambitions.
Claims regarding Iran`s nuclear programme
In his statement, Trump asserted that Iran`s nuclear capabilities had been effectively neutralised and suggested that remaining nuclear material would be dealt with in the future.
He claimed that nuclear-related material located deep underground would eventually be recovered and destroyed under international oversight once the security situation stabilises.
The remarks come after weeks of heightened tensions during which the United States carried out military strikes targeting Iranian facilities and infrastructure.
However, independent verification of Trump`s claims regarding the status of Iran`s nuclear programme has not yet been made public.
Warning of military action remains
While expressing optimism about the proposed agreement, Trump also reiterated that the United States remains prepared to use military force if negotiations fail.
He said Washington hoped for a peaceful outcome and looked forward to improved relations with Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
At the same time, he warned that alternative measures remained available if diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful, although he did not elaborate further.
The comments reflect the administration`s strategy of combining diplomatic engagement with military pressure throughout the negotiation process.
Weeks of conflict preceded breakthrough
The announcement follows a turbulent period marked by military exchanges and diplomatic efforts.
Earlier this week, the United States launched multiple strikes against targets in Iran following escalating hostilities between the two countries.
Tensions had risen sharply after the reported downing of a US Apache helicopter, prompting retaliatory military action by Washington.
Trump had also threatened further strikes against Iranian infrastructure, including the country`s oil export facilities, before ultimately stepping back from additional military action.
Pakistan PM hints at imminent agreement
Trump`s comments came shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suggested that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran could be finalised within 24 hours.
The remarks fuelled speculation that negotiators had made significant progress after weeks of talks aimed at converting a fragile ceasefire into a broader peace settlement.
The United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8 after weeks of hostilities and have since been engaged in negotiations over a long-term agreement.
Global focus on Strait of Hormuz
A successful agreement would have major implications for global energy markets, particularly if it results in the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway handles a significant share of the world`s oil and natural gas exports, and disruptions caused by the conflict have contributed to volatility in energy prices and shipping routes.
Analysts say a durable peace agreement could help stabilise regional security, restore confidence in global energy markets and reduce concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
While Trump`s announcement has raised expectations, officials from Iran have not yet publicly confirmed that a final agreement is ready to be signed. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the proposed deal materialises and whether it succeeds in bringing a lasting end to the conflict.
Peace deal with Iran to be signed on Sunday: Donald Trump
