Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran is closer than ever to completion.
The potential deal aims to permanently end the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Araghchi said the agreement would lift the current naval blockade and establish new arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz [1]. He said Iran will not return to the previous framework governing the waterway [1].
Timeline estimates for the final signing vary among officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the U.S. and Iran are close to a peace deal and could sign within 24 hours [3]. Other reports suggest the agreement is less than 24 hours away [2]. However, Donald Trump said he expects to seal the deal within days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz [4].
Despite these reports of progress, some sources indicate no signing is expected on Sunday [5].
Araghchi also addressed external pressures on the negotiations. He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to derail the talks to prevent a diplomatic breakthrough [1].
"The deal to permanently end the US‑Israeli war with Iran has never been closer," Araghchi said [2].
“"The deal to permanently end the US‑Israeli war with Iran has never been closer."”
A successful agreement would significantly reduce the risk of a full-scale regional war and lower global energy market volatility by securing the Strait of Hormuz. The discrepancy in signing timelines and the reported opposition from the Israeli government suggest that while a framework exists, the final execution remains subject to intense diplomatic friction.
