In brief
President Donald Trump declared Saturday that a U.S.-Iran agreement has been 'largely negotiated,' including the critical reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though final terms remain pending. The announcement follows weeks of tense talks brokered by Pakistan amid a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Trump also canceled military strikes at Gulf states' request and skipped his son's wedding to focus on negotiations. Iran's foreign ministry warned of 'contradictory statements' but confirmed efforts to finalize a 14-point framework within 30-60 days. The U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 100 vessels and disabling four Iranian port shipments during the blockade, while Iran claims control over Hormuz transit routes. Pakistan's Prime Minister praised Trump's 'extraordinary efforts' to host future talks.
BREAKING: President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a landmark deal with Iran has been 'largely negotiated,' including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil trade—and details will be released 'shortly.' In a social media post, Trump stated: '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, as listed.' The announcement follows intense negotiations that have seen U.S. and Iranian positions converge, though Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei cautioned against complacency, labeling U.S. statements 'contradictory' and noting the framework could take 30-60 days to finalize.Trump framed the deal as crucial for regional stability, insisting it would 'absolutely' prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The breakthrough comes after Trump's reversal on military action: he canceled planned strikes on Iran at Gulf states' insistence and skipped his son Donald Jr.'s wedding to remain in Washington DC. The White House cited 'unprecedented progress' in talks that began after a ceasefire in early April following February's devastating U.S.-Iran clash.Meanwhile, the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports—active since April 13—has intensified economic pressure on Tehran. Central Command reported redirecting 100 vessels and disabling four Iranian ships while allowing 26 humanitarian aid ships through. Admiral Brad Cooper called the operation 'highly effective,' though Iran has countered by claiming 'military control' over the Strait of Hormuz, demanding all transits require authorization from its 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority.'Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump's 'extraordinary efforts to pursue peace,' stating Islamabad 'hopes to host the next round of talks very soon.' The South Asian nation has served as key mediator, with Trump also confirming 'very good calls' with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But Iran remains wary as it prepares to finalize the 14-point framework it says would 'formally' end the conflict.The global community watches as the reopening of Hormuz—a lifeline for 20% of world oil trade—hangs in the balance. With oil prices volatile and the U.S. military presence near the strait, experts warn the next 48 hours could determine whether the fragile peace holds.}
