A proposed agreement between the United States and Iran remains uncertain after Tehran pushed back against President Donald Trump’s claim that the deal was set to be signed over the weekend.
Trump had said the agreement was expected to be completed soon and would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Gulf to global markets. Its disruption during the conflict has raised fears of wider economic pressure and further instability in the region.
Iranian officials were more cautious about the timeline. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the timing had not been settled and suggested that no signing would take place as quickly as Washington had indicated.
“We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow.”
The contrasting statements underlined the fragile state of talks that have repeatedly appeared close to a breakthrough in recent months. The first stage of the agreement is expected to focus on reducing hostilities, reopening maritime routes, and preparing for further technical discussions, rather than resolving every dispute between the two countries at once.
Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, said it was preparing for a possible electronic signing if the final details were completed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that “we are closer to a peace deal than ever before.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said the proposed package includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports, and addressing fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, reports from Washington have suggested Lebanon may not be part of the first phase of the agreement.
Talks on Iran’s nuclear programme are expected to follow later. Trump appeared to refer to enriched uranium stockpiles when he said that “at the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust.”
Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability, which Tehran denies. Iran says its programme is for electricity generation and research.
The conflict began on 28 February, when U.S. and Israeli forces struck targets in Iran. Tehran retaliated against Israel and U.S.-aligned Gulf states, while restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire in April lowered the intensity of the fighting, but intermittent exchanges have continued.