US President Donald Trump said that reaching an agreement with Iran that would end the conflict in the Middle East is "very likely." He confirmed that Washington held "very productive talks" with Tehran over the past 24 hours. At the same time, Trump warned that if no agreement is reached the US will be forced to "return to intense bombing." The American leader also stressed that any agreement must include a commitment from Iran not to operate underground nuclear facilities, denying rumors that enriched uranium would be handed over to the United States.
According to media leaks, the draft agreement is a one-page memorandum of understanding. It envisages Iran freezing its uranium enrichment program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. Later, Tehran may be permitted to enrich up to 3.67% — although Trump said he does not confirm this provision. The parties are also expected to lift restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Inside Iran the agreement meets resistance. Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf called the American approach an attempt to force Tehran into "capitulation." Foreign Ministry representative Esmail Bagai said the proposal is still being studied and that a response will be transmitted via Pakistani intermediaries. Talks are moving slowly because every message must be approved by the Supreme Leader, who, according to sources, is hiding for security reasons.
Reaction in the region is mixed. Israeli officials warned that the deal could become a "lifeline for the Iranian regime," limiting enrichment for only 15 years while leaving Tehran's missile arsenal intact. At the same time, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the "positive momentum" from the pause in hostilities and thanked Trump for his "bold leadership."
Earlier Trump announced the suspension of Operation "Project Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz, noting "significant progress" in the talks. However, he repeatedly emphasized that the military option remains on the table: "If they don't agree, the bombings will start — much more powerful than before." The fate of the deal remains unclear: Iran continues internal consultations, and Washington is awaiting a response before the end of Trump's visit to China.
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What powers does the Supreme Leader of Iran have in deciding on a nuclear deal and why is his approval considered necessary? - According to the Iranian constitution, the Supreme Leader (rahbar) is the highest state authority, possessing the final right to approve or reject any strategic decisions, including a nuclear deal. He controls the National Security Council, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and key judicial bodies, making his approval legally and politically obligatory for implementing any international agreements.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and what role does Iran play in the region? - The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic narrow passage through which about 20–25% of the world's oil shipments pass. Iran, which controls the northern shore of the strait, has the ability to block shipping, creating a critical vulnerability for global energy security. Tehran has used this threat as a tool of political pressure, particularly during periods of heightened tensions with the West.
Who is Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf and how does his position reflect internal political disagreements in Iran over a possible nuclear deal? - Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf is the speaker of the Iranian parliament (Majles) and a former mayor of Tehran, representing the conservative wing. His criticism of the government over the nuclear deal highlights the split between reformists (President Pezeshkian) and conservatives (Qalibaf), with the latter insisting on a tougher negotiating stance and demanding concrete guarantees from the West on sanction relief.
Full version: ترمب يتحدث عن اتفاق "محتمل جدا" وطهران تراجع المقترح الأمريكي