Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that a deal to end the conflict with Iran was close to completion and could be signed in Europe as early as this weekend. The announcement came only hours after the US president had threatened fresh military action against the Islamic Republic and warned of taking control of parts of Iran’s oil infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said Vice President J. D. Vance could attend the signing ceremony on behalf of Washington.
“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump said, adding that discussions had reached an advanced stage and that “subject to finalisation of documents” a formal signing could happen in the coming days.
Trump also claimed Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons. “They will not purchase, develop in any way, shape or form a nuclear weapon. They will not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Later, while addressing supporters during a tele-rally, Trump declared, “We ended the war with Iran today,” adding that Tehran had agreed to additional conditions sought by Washington.
Iran Rejects Claims of Final Deal
However, Iran denied that any final agreement had been reached with the United States.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said Tehran was still reviewing the proposed understanding and no final conclusion had been made.
“So far, Iran has not reached a final conclusion on the agreement,” Baghaei said, stressing that reports about a timeline for signing remained speculative.
Iranian media also reacted cautiously to Trump’s statement. The news agency Tasnim News Agency pointed out that Trump had repeatedly claimed a deal was close over the past two months, warning against treating the latest remarks as confirmed until Tehran officially announced an agreement.
Trump Reverses Threat of Military Escalation
Earlier on Thursday, Trump had sharply escalated tensions by threatening to strike Iran “very hard” and warning that the United States could take control of strategic oil facilities, including Kharg Island, a key centre for Iran’s oil exports.
But hours later, Trump appeared to reverse course, announcing that planned military strikes had been cancelled because diplomatic talks had progressed.
“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings,” Trump said.
Concerns Over Regional Stability Continue
Despite Trump’s optimism, uncertainty remains over whether a final agreement will materialise and how it would be implemented. Iranian officials have continued to insist that Tehran’s “red lines” in negotiations will not be compromised.
Meanwhile, tensions in the wider region remain high, with reports of continued military activity involving US forces, Iran, and regional allies.
Trump said he had spoken with leaders from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Pakistan regarding the negotiations and claimed that the wider Middle East would benefit from the agreement.
“The whole Middle East is happy,” Trump said, expressing confidence that a deal would bring stability and reopen key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
However, with Iran yet to confirm any breakthrough, uncertainty continues over whether a formal peace agreement is truly imminent.
