The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Saturday afternoon (23) that a peace agreement with Iran is “largely negotiated”, with a formal announcement promised soon. The statement was made in a publication on the Truth Social network, posted from the Oval Office of the White House.
According to Trump, the understanding is “subject to finalization” between the US, Iran and other countries participating in the negotiations. The president reported that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened as part of the agreement.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization, between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other countries listed. Final aspects and details of the agreement are currently being discussed and will be announced soon. In addition to many other elements of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,” Trump wrote.
The publication reports that Trump led a call from the Oval Office with ten regional leaders to discuss Iran and the memorandum of understanding. Participating in the call were King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar, Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, King Abdullah II of Jordan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.
Separately, Trump said he also had a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, described as equally positive.
The publication does not detail the terms of the memorandum or indicate a deadline for the formal announcement. However, earlier, Trump had said that a decision would be made by Sunday (24).
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Optimism among negotiators
The US and Iran were close to a deal to end the war, a regional official with direct knowledge of Pakistan-led mediation efforts said early Saturday, after the US assessed a new round of attacks against the Islamic Republic.
The official source, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door deliberations, warned that “last-minute wrangling” could jeopardize efforts. This is not the first time in recent weeks that a deal has been described as close.
He said the possible deal would include an official declaration of an end to the war, with two-month negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz would reopen and the US would end its blockade of Iranian ports.
Meanwhile, Iran signaled a “reduction of differences” in negotiations with the US, after the Pakistani army chief held new talks in Tehran, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists in India that “some progress has been made” and that “there could be news later today”.
(with Estadão Conteúdo)
