The fragile Middle East peace landscape has been shaken by dramatic claims from former US President Donald Trump, who asserts that a preliminary deal to end the conflict with Iran has already been signed. Speaking at the G7 summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Trump declared confidently: "I am very happy to say it's signed, the deal is all signed." This development comes as negotiations between Iran and Western powers have been ongoing for months, with senior US officials now providing some details on the agreement.
The critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane connecting Europe and Asia through which one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, is set to reopen this Friday. This marks the date for the formal signing of the deal in Geneva, where technical discussions concerning Iran's nuclear programme are expected to commence.
US officials have revealed that senior personnel from both countries – Mr Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – reportedly signed the agreement electronically. While Mr Trump has hinted at releasing the full text "pretty soon" after Friday's ceremony, officials suggest more details may emerge as early as Wednesday.
The preliminary deal is understood to extend a ceasefire for 60 days, providing a window for negotiating the specifics of a final agreement. This breakthrough follows months of tense negotiations facilitated by Pakistan, with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the development on Sunday.
Senior officials have clarified that while the deal encompasses the immediate and permanent termination of military operations across various fronts, including Lebanon, it does not require Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory. The US has reiterated that Iran will not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons under any circumstances, a stance echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Notwithstanding the announced deal, tensions remain high in the region. Iranian state television hailed the agreement as a significant victory for Tehran, while Iran's foreign ministry tempered expectations, stating that "deep mistrust" still prevails towards the US and that this agreement merely represents a step towards reducing tensions.
The situation remains volatile, with reports emerging of an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliation from Hezbollah. This development underscores the complexity and fragility of the Middle East peace process, where diplomatic breakthroughs can be rapidly undone by military escalation.