Trump claims imminent Iran deal as Tehran dismisses reports as speculation
While Donald Trump asserts that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved a breakthrough agreement to end the Gulf war, Tehran maintains that no final decision has been reached, describing the US president’s claims as mere speculation.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran is imminent, declaring that scheduled military strikes on the Kharg island oil facility have been cancelled. Trump stated that the agreement, which he claimed was approved by Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, would prevent nuclear weapons development, lift the US naval blockade, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested a signing ceremony could take place in Europe over the weekend, potentially led by Vice President JD Vance.
Tehran immediately dismissed the president’s assertions, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei labelling the comments as speculation. Baghaei noted that no final decision had been reached and that the diplomatic process had been disrupted by what he described as US illegal actions. He emphasised that while mediators from Pakistan and Qatar remain active, Iran has not compromised on its red lines and that most of the negotiation text had already been finalised before the US altered its positions.
Analysts have characterised Trump’s rhetoric as a component of information warfare rather than a literal description of a concluded treaty. Wolfgang Pusztai, a defence analyst, argued that the statements are designed to pressure Iran, influence international markets, and appeal to the Republican base. He warned that Trump’s claims should not be taken literally, noting that the president has previously declared deals imminent on nearly 40 occasions since the conflict began in late February.
The proposed memorandum of understanding reportedly includes Iran’s demands for the lifting of all oil sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and a permanent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Iran has put forward a 14-point draft that seeks to separate the Lebanese and Strait of Hormuz issues from broader negotiations on nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. However, Israel remains a significant hurdle, with its office clarifying that it is not a party to the deal but insisting any final agreement must include the removal of enriched material and limitations on missile production.
The ongoing conflict, which has caused significant regional instability and energy crises, continues to complicate negotiations. While Trump claims the deal would result in dropping oil prices and the reopening of the strait, Iran maintains that the waterway is closed to all vessel traffic following recent strikes. Experts caution that any initial agreement is likely to be a phased understanding rather than a final peace treaty, with substantial hurdles remaining regarding nuclear verification and regional security guarantees.
