Trump unveils ‘great’ Iran deal, signing expected in Europe
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
BAHRAIN: A damaged building and vehicle are seen in the aftermath of Iranian drone attacks.—Reuters • Announcement comes after US calls off Iran attacks• Oil drops after Washington backs down• IRGC strikes Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait after US bombs targets across Iran• Tehran says American attacks have rendered ceasefire ‘practically’ meaningless• Saudis call for Pakistan, Qatar-led efforts for renewed talks• Iran ‘completely’ closes Hormuz WASHINGTON / TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States and Iran could sign a peace deal as soon as this weekend that would reopen shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, if finalised, would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough yet to end the three-month-old war, which has killed thousands of people and sent global energy prices sharply higher. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that Tehran is likely to approve the agreement, though it has yet to give a formal response. However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said matters related to an agreement are speculation and nothing has been finalised, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe,” he said. Vice President JD Vance could sign for the United States, Trump added. When asked if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the deal, Trump said: “I understand the answer is yes.” Trump’s announcement came after he called off planned military strikes on Iran, citing progress in talks. Since mid-March, Trump has repeatedly claimed that a deal with Iran to end the war is close. The two sides have traded strikes throughout the week, straining a ceasefire announced in April. He called off planned strikes on Iran hours after threatening more bombings and a desire to “take” its oil e