U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that a framework agreement aimed at ending the war involving Iran would be signed on Sunday, linking the expected deal to immediate changes in maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He further indicated that reopening the strategic waterway would occur “immediately after” the signing, underscoring the agreement’s emphasis on restoring global energy shipping routes through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
The president also framed the prospective deal as a decisive break from earlier nuclear arrangements, asserting in his post that Iran would no longer pursue a nuclear weapon and referencing U.S. capabilities to address previously struck nuclear sites.
Despite signs of progress across multiple channels, the timing of a formal signing remains disputed. Trump said the agreement would be signed Sunday, Pakistan described it as ready for signature within 24 hours, while Iran’s foreign ministry said a Sunday signing was unlikely but left open the possibility of progress in the coming days.
A U.S. official later declined to confirm the timing, stating: “It’s a great deal and a very strong deal.”
Pakistan says Framework Reached as Iran Disputes Sunday Timeline
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the parties had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing ceremony scheduled for Sunday, followed by technical-level talks in the days ahead.
Sharif said the agreement was ready for signature and described momentum toward a settlement as stronger than at any previous point in the negotiations. Pakistan, which has played a mediating role in the talks, indicated the signing could take place within 24 hours.
Iran, however, pushed back on the timeline.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, as quoted by state media: “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,” adding, “The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out. However, due to the hesitation of the other side, we must be cautious in making any comments about this process.”
Strait of Hormuz Central to Proposed Agreement
The Strait of Hormuz remains the focal point of the draft arrangement, with sources involved in the talks describing provisions aimed at restoring unrestricted passage for commercial shipping.
A U.S. official said the agreement would require Iran to reopen the waterway, stating: “Iran is going to open up the Strait of Hormuz, that’s a requirement. It could be open with no tolls. As they do that, we will lift our blockade.”
The official added that subsequent steps would include coordinated demining operations, with potential involvement from Group of Seven countries.
Earlier military activity in the region underscored the volatility surrounding the negotiations, including U.S. action against Iranian unmanned aerial systems targeting maritime traffic, according to officials familiar with the developments.
Nuclear Negotiations Set for Later Phase
While the initial framework focuses on de-escalation and maritime access, Iran’s nuclear program is expected to be addressed in a later stage of negotiations.
A U.S. official said the broader objective would include dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and removing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, however, said Tehran had not agreed to dismantlement and instead favored retaining uranium in diluted form, signaling continued divergence on core nuclear issues.
Trump also claimed that once conditions stabilize, the United States would move to “downblend and destroy” nuclear material, referencing earlier strikes on Iranian facilities.
Frozen Assets and Sanctions Relief Remain Contested
Draft terms described by multiple sources indicate the United States would release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for compliance with maritime provisions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported that the release of frozen assets is a central component of the agreement and said Tehran would impose charges for services in the strait.
U.S. officials disputed some of those claims, particularly broader interpretations involving additional concessions on missile programs and reparations.
Israel Excluded from Agreement Process
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not be a party to the agreement, highlighting ongoing regional disagreements over the scope of any settlement.
Israeli officials indicated that Israel intends to retain operational freedom to respond to perceived threats, even if a U.S.-Iran framework is finalized.
Iranian officials suggested the agreement could have implications for wider regional conflicts, including Lebanon, where hostilities involving Hezbollah have intensified since the war began.