A framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the US and Iran has brought the parties close to signing. However, there is no clarity on when the agreement will be formalized.
US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the agreement would be signed the next day, noting that it coincides with his birthday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also said that the two sides have agreed on a framework for a peace agreement and preparations are underway for an electronic signing on Sunday. Sharif added that technical-level talks will continue next week.
The Iranian side, however, did not confirm the Sunday signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bekayi had said that comments on the timing of the signing should be avoided; later, in statements reflected in state media, he said it would not happen tomorrow but could take place in the coming days.
Following the framework agreement, Trump said Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz, reopening this critical route for global oil shipments. The plan’s first step is to open the strait, followed by lifting the maritime blockade, and then holding talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
According to a draft shared by sources close to the talks, the US would release part of Iran’s frozen billions of dollars in assets and ease sanctions on oil exports in exchange for Tehran opening the strait. Iran’s Fars News Agency also reported, citing Bekayi, that releasing frozen assets is a key element of the agreement.
The same report indicated that Iran also wants to charge fees for services provided through the Strait of Hormuz. Bekayi also stated that foreign military bases in the region should be ended.
A 60-day negotiation period is planned for the nuclear dimension of the agreement. A US official said the ultimate goal is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and destroy and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
As the process advances, hardline groups inside Iran have reacted strongly. Demonstrations opposing the agreement were held in Tehran and other cities, with slogans targeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Meanwhile, while the conflict continues, the US military reportedly shot down numerous Iranian drones heading toward the Hormuz direction.
Israel, stating it is not a party to the agreement, announced it struck more than 70 targets against Hezbollah in Lebanon in the past 24 hours. This situation shows that military tensions in the region persist even as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
Trump also discussed the agreement efforts during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Downing Street confirmed the leaders’ contact regarding the Iran crisis.
