Image source, EPA
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U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States is close to an initial peace agreement with Iran, and he stated that attacks on Iran have ceased.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said, “We have just made a tremendous deal in the conflict with Iran.”
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on state television that no final agreement has been reached. He emphasized that the proposed agreement is under thorough examination and that Iran will not compromise on its minimum conditions.
Trump had previously indicated that the two countries were close to ending their conflict. However, just hours before the possible deal, he had announced that “strong attacks” on Iran would take place.
The United States and Israel launched extensive attacks on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran targeted Gulf nations allied with the U.S. and disrupted the vital global oil and natural gas shipping route by controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
A two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was observed in April, though sporadic attacks have continued. Throughout this period, Trump has repeatedly voiced optimism about a potential agreement with Iran.
The Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported that Trump has mentioned a possible deal with Iran 38 times over the last two months.
Following Trump’s recent announcement, global oil prices have slightly declined. Brent crude oil prices dropped by 4.4%, trading at $89 per barrel.
Trump on the Details of the Agreement
Image source, Reuters
Trump shared specific details with reporters regarding the points to be included in the agreement.
“We have agreed that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons. This is our primary objective. It’s a very important matter,” he said.
According to Trump, the agreement is planned to be signed in Europe and will be finalized immediately once the document is ready.
He added that the agreement is in its final stages.
The U.S. President stated that with the signing, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen.
However, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that although a draft agreement has been agreed upon, the U.S. is continuing to make new demands.
Trump also stated he has spoken with Gulf allies and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the Middle East as “completely pleased.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed dialogue between Trump and Netanyahu but indicated that Israel is not part of the formal agreement draft.
