US and Iran edge closer but no final agreement
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United States President Donald Trump said that progress has been made regarding a potential settlement agreement with Iran.
However, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the country has not yet reached any final decision. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that a fisherman was injured in an attack on a fishing boat off the Iranian coast.
The attack took place near the coast of Sirik. According to the Governor of Sirik Reza Shahidian, the fisherman was fishing within Iran’s territorial waters when he suddenly came under attack from “enemy forces”.
Although the boat sank, the injured fisherman was rescued by another vessel present at the scene, though the Governor did not provide a detailed explanation regarding the identity of these “enemy forces”.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that Tehran is yet to make a final decision on the potential settlement agreement. The government will make a formal announcement once the relevant authorities reach a decision on the details of the draft agreement.
Baghaei added that Qatar and Pakistan are actively pursuing mediation efforts. However, he noted that recent US actions have influenced the diplomatic process.
According to him, while Iran has consented to a large portion of the draft agreement, US has repeatedly changed its position. He also added that Tehran remains firm on its designated “red lines” or fundamental positions.
Moreover, former US military official Mark Kimmitt said that the potential settlement should not be viewed as a final agreement.
He added, “It is not a final agreement. It is just a memorandum of understanding necessary to stop the current conflict. It will end the conflict, open the Strait of Hormuz, and create a basis for future discussions. However, we have not yet reached near a solution for the difficult and important issues.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office mentioned that the potential settlement was discussed with Trump. In a statement, Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s commitment regarding the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium, the dismantling of uranium enrichment infrastructure, the limitation of missile production, and the cessation of Iranian support for regional proxy groups in the final agreement.
Earlier, while responding to questions from journalists at the White House, Trump said he believes Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the potential agreement. “To the best of my knowledge, the answer is, yes,” he stated.
Trump mentioned that once the agreement is finalised, US will immediately lift the sanctions imposed on Iranian ports. He added that this would result in a significant decrease in oil prices on the global market.
In his social media post on Thursday night, Trump said that several countries, including the US, have approved the final points and details of the discussions. Countries including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt were involved in this process and have agreed in principle.
Regarding the nuclear programme, Trump added, “Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. They have agreed to this.” He noted that under the future agreement, Iran will not purchase or develop nuclear weapons in any way.
Earlier, a series of retaliatory strikes and tensions had created a war-like situation across the region. The situation was later brought somewhat under control through ceasefire efforts and mediatory discussions.
This announcement from Iran comes amidst ongoing recent tensions, which observers believe could create a new turning point in the trajectory of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
