Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of unveiling a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, with the potential release of the document occurring before Friday. This revelation comes as U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the agreement as both succinct—spanning approximately a page and a half—and rather broad, indicating that many specifics will be addressed in future negotiations.
In a notable development, senior U.S. officials have hinted that a key maritime route, the Strait of Hormuz, is slated to reopen on Friday, coinciding with the formal signing of the agreement in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that both nations will initiate a new round of discussions focused on finalizing peace terms in Switzerland that same day.
Trump is currently participating in the G7 summit in France, where a special session on Iran will convene, drawing in leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump proclaimed, "I am very happy to say it’s signed, the deal is all signed," referring to the preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU).
According to U.S. officials, the MOU has already been electronically signed by Trump, Vice President Vance, and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. These steps are poised to facilitate preliminary technical conversations concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions, while any sanctions relief or asset unfreezing will be contingent on Iran adhering to the commitments outlined in the deal.
Vance confirmed to NBC News that the deal would permit international nuclear inspectors back into Iran, stating, "One of the core parts of the agreement is that the [International Atomic Energy Agency] and the United States are going to help Iran destroy the highly enriched stockpile, and that’s something that’s spelled out very clearly." He emphasized that the MOU establishes a framework, whereby Iran could gain significant benefits by fulfilling its obligations.
According to Vance, Iran's commitment to promoting regional peace and stability is explicitly reflected in the agreement, which includes a pledge to cease funding for terrorist organizations. Most crucially, Iran will provide a verifiable assurance against the development of nuclear weapons, he noted.
As G7 leaders engage in discussions regarding Iran, both the UK and France are expected to advocate for a defensive initiative to protect vessels navigating the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed confidence that the U.S. would manage shipping security independently but acknowledged, "it’s not a bad idea to have a ship or two" from allied nations positioned in the area.
This preliminary deal will extend the current ceasefire for an additional 60 days, during which the nations will negotiate the finer points of a final agreement. On Sunday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating, announced the breakthrough, emphasizing that it includes the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.
While the ceasefire framework encompasses Lebanon, U.S. officials clarified that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a stipulation of the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that Israeli defenses in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza will remain as long as necessary, maintaining the right to retaliate against potential threats.
As the world watches, Trump’s anticipated announcement may reshape the dynamics between the U.S., Iran, and the broader Middle East, carrying implications that could reverberate across global markets and geopolitical relations.
Source: BBC World News
