**
In a significant development that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, former US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated.” Following discussions with a Pakistani mediator and various Gulf allies, this potential deal may herald an end to the US-Israel-led war against Iran, which commenced in February of this year. Key aspects of the proposed agreement include the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz and a two-month negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Negotiations Take a New Turn
Trump shared the news on his social media platform, revealing that “final aspects and details” of a “Memorandum of Understanding” are still under discussion and will be disclosed shortly. He emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global oil shipments, would remain under Iranian control as part of the agreement.
The announcement followed reports that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the United States aimed at concluding the conflict and restoring access to the strategic waterway. A regional official informed the Associated Press that this potential deal would not only formally declare the end of hostilities but also address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and lift the US blockade on Iranian ports.
A Complex Web of Diplomacy
Trump stated that he has been in contact with numerous Middle Eastern leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, as well as Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He also mentioned a constructive conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
While the contours of the negotiations remain unclear, Trump indicated that he had met with American negotiators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. The atmosphere leading up to the announcement was fraught with tension, as Trump had continued to express intentions to strike Iran if a satisfactory deal was not achieved.
Reports surfaced that Iran’s latest proposal included not only a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but also demands for the US to lift its blockade, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and provide compensation for damages incurred during the conflict. The Iranian delegation insisted on the war’s permanent cessation before any discussions regarding its nuclear programme could commence.
Divergent Perspectives on the Proposed Deal
Despite Trump’s optimistic portrayal, Iranian officials expressed skepticism regarding the terms outlined in the proposal. Iran’s chief negotiator stated that the country would not compromise on its national rights, asserting that a memorandum of understanding consisting of 14 clauses was in the works.
Moreover, Iran’s Fars news agency, which has close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Trump’s claims about the agreement nearing finalisation were “inconsistent with reality.” Several senior Iranian officials suggested that the deal would not only halt the fighting in Iran and Lebanon but could also lead to the release of $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets, with follow-up negotiations on the nuclear issue expected within 30 to 60 days.
The news of a potential resolution has triggered alarm among some Republican hawks who have long advocated for military action against Iran. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the rumoured agreement, likening it to the framework established during the Obama administration, which he has openly derided.
In contrast, former negotiator Robert Malley defended the potential deal, arguing that if it could end a “senseless war” and alleviate global economic turmoil, it would be preferable to continued conflict.
Why it Matters
The potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran is a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, with far-reaching implications for global oil markets and regional stability. If successful, it could not only diminish hostilities in the region but also reshape the balance of power, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Conversely, failure to reach a consensus may escalate tensions further, prompting renewed military action and destabilising an already volatile landscape. The outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly be closely monitored by global leaders and investors alike, as the stakes continue to rise.
