US President Donald Trump said Monday evening that a framework agreement with Iran to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached "as soon as next week." However, he clarified that unresolved issues remain and he has not yet given final approval to the deal. In his statement, Trump emphasized that a "peaceful agreement with Iran could be better than a military victory," although negotiations are difficult for both sides.
Trump also noted that talks with Tehran are continuing at an "accelerated pace," despite Iranian reports that the dialogue had been suspended because of Israeli strikes on Lebanon. According to Western media, contacts resumed after Trump called off a planned strike on a southern suburb of Beirut following a "fruitful" conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That turn of events gave new momentum to talks that have been unstable since the start of the war.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its part, warned that "violating the ceasefire on any front is a violation on all fronts," stressing the "serious consequences" of such a step. That statement reflects Tehran’s concern about possible escalation and sets strict limits for any future agreement. Current regional tensions and threats of military responses make any new compromise extremely fragile.
According to Mehr agency, Iranian authorities are still studying the final text of the memorandum of understanding and have not yet sent a response. Tehran seeks tangible benefits, drawing on the bitter experience of past deals. Sources stress that "the history of US non-compliance and distrust" forces Iran to adopt an extremely tough stance. This approach balances fear of an agreement with fear of war, making negotiations complex and protracted.
Reuters reports that Tehran is seeking a temporary and limited agreement that would ease economic pressure and stabilize the domestic situation without major concessions on its nuclear program. Three Iranian sources confirmed that such a tactic matches Iran’s usual strategy of softening sanctions and maintaining dialogue without abandoning key positions. Iranian officials view a limited agreement as a way to buy time, obtain financial assistance and contain internal risks from a worsening economy. Meanwhile Pakistan is acting as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, seeking a settlement after the conflict that began on 28 February. The temporary truce established on 8 April opened a diplomatic window for pursuing limited solutions.
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Why is Pakistan acting as an intermediary between the US and Iran, and what role does it play in regional diplomacy? — Pakistan traditionally maintains close ties with Iran (shared border, cultural and religious roots) while also keeping functional relations with the US (military and economic assistance). In a situation where direct channels between Tehran and Washington are practically absent, Islamabad serves as a convenient "negotiator": it is not a direct party to the conflict but has resources to influence both sides. In addition, Pakistan is interested in stability along its borders (especially in Balochistan) and is trying to strengthen its role as a regional mediator, competing with players such as Oman or Qatar.
What strategic importance does the Strait of Hormuz have for the global economy, and why is its blockage a key leverage point for Iran? — About 20% of the world’s oil (roughly 17–20 million barrels per day) passes through the Strait of Hormuz. It is the main maritime route for the Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Iran itself. Blocking the strait (even partially) would instantly trigger a sharp rise in energy prices, fuel shortages and a recession in importing countries. For Iran, this is an "asymmetric trump card": even with a weak economy it can create a global crisis that would force the US and its allies to negotiate.
What domestic economic problems in Iran (for example, the impact of sanctions and inflation) are driving Tehran to seek a temporary agreement despite distrust of the US after the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal? — After the US withdrawal from the JCPOA (2018) the Iranian economy faced hyperinflation (officially up to 45–50%, in reality higher), a rial devaluation (more than tenfold), youth unemployment (up to 25%) and budget shortfalls due to reduced oil revenues. Domestic protests (for example, in 2022–2023) exposed the regime’s vulnerability when food and economic instability become political threats. A temporary agreement, even without full sanctions relief, could give Tehran access to some frozen assets (for example, in Iraq or South Korea) and help stabilize the market ahead of presidential elections. However, Tehran fears a repeat of the "2015 trap," when the deal did not lead to real sanctions relief, so it is seeking a short-term but legally binding option.
Full version: ترمب: اتفاق إطاري مع إيران قد يُبرم خلال الأسبوع المقبل