Iran says deal to end fighting with US has 'never been closer'
"Tensions ease as a potential agreement looms. Negotiations have been intense."
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that a deal with the US to end fighting in Iran has "never been closer". This statement was echoed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating between the warring sides. The development comes after weeks of intense negotiations, which have been mostly mediated by Pakistan, with the goal of extending the ceasefire and starting talks on key issues, including Iran's nuclear program.
The conflict between the US and Iran began with wide-ranging US and Israeli strikes across Iran on 28 February. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, as well as effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Despite having agreed to a ceasefire in April, the US and Iran have exchanged intermittent fire, including two rounds of tit-for-tat strikes this week.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly talked up the prospects of a deal to end hostilities. On Thursday, he said he had cancelled "scheduled attacks" against Iran because negotiators had "just made a great settlement" - a deal that was likely to be signed imminently. However, Trump accused Tehran of leaking details of the alleged deal, saying they were "very dishonorable people to deal with".
The reported details of the deal included the lifting of a US naval blockade and "at least $300bn" to address the damage caused by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran also wanted a final agreement to be endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution. The agreement would be limited to issues concerning the future of enriched materials and enrichment activities, sanctions relief, and the program for rebuilding Iran's economy.
From the US perspective, a senior administrative official told the BBC that the Iran deal included the expectation that nuclear material would be destroyed and removed, and the nuclear program dismantled. The official said that none of Iran's money would be released until the Iranians had met US demands, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened, and Iran would be expected not to fund terrorist groups - a reference to Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies across the Middle East.
US Vice-President JD Vance added that the deal "is structured to ensure that the US and its allies' concerns are prioritized, and that if the Islamic Republic of Iran meets its obligations, then economic benefits will flow to them and to the entire region". Vance emphasized that Iranians are not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting.
The implications of a potential deal between the US and Iran are significant. It could mark a major shift in the region's geopolitics, with potential benefits for both countries. However, the deal also faces significant challenges, including the need for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program and for the US to lift sanctions.
Israel is not involved in the talks, which have been mostly mediated by Pakistan. The Israeli conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon is a major point of contention, with Iran demanding an end to the conflict as part of the deal. The US has also demanded that Iran not fund terrorist groups, including Hezbollah.
The history of Iran's nuclear program is complex and contentious. For decades, Iran has been accused by Western countries of trying to build a nuclear weapon. Iran has denied the accusations, saying its program is for peaceful purposes - to generate electricity and for research purposes.
The potential deal between the US and Iran has significant implications for the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route, and its closure has had a major impact on global oil prices. A deal that opens the strait and lifts sanctions on Iran could have a major impact on the global economy, particularly in the energy sector.
In conclusion, the potential deal between the US and Iran is a significant development in the region's geopolitics. While the deal faces significant challenges, it also offers potential benefits for both countries. The implications of the deal are far-reaching, with potential benefits for the global economy and regional stability. As the negotiations continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
