U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington is expected to sign an agreement with Iran today aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, while also predicting the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran has yet to confirm such a timeline.
After a week marked by renewed exchanges between the Islamic Republic on one side and the United States and Israel on the other—raising fears of a broader regional escalation—both Washington and Tehran have suggested that significant progress has been made toward a compromise.
Yet key differences remain in how the two sides describe a possible preliminary agreement, which would pave the way for technical-level negotiations. The timing of any breakthrough also remains uncertain.
Pakistani President Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has played a mediating role in the crisis, said in a post on X on Saturday that he expects the agreement to be “finalized” within the next 24 hours. He added that preparations are underway for its “electronic signing”—without elaborating on what that would entail—before technical talks begin next week.
Trump, who has previously announced the prospect of an imminent agreement on several occasions without a deal materializing, later stated that the signing was “scheduled” for today, which coincides with his 80th birthday.
“Once signed, the Strait of Hormuz will be OPEN TO EVERYONE,” the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social, adding that Iran “no longer wants a nuclear weapon.”
Iranian officials, however, have struck a more cautious tone. According to the state news agency IRNA, Tehran’s diplomatic leadership referred to an agreement being reached “in the coming days,” rather than on Sunday.
Reports of potential concessions have already triggered criticism from conservative factions within Iran.
On Saturday evening, an Iranian news agency released footage showing dozens of demonstrators chanting slogans against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Starmer Backs Peace Effort
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the latest diplomatic push by Trump to end the conflict with Iran. During a phone call with the U.S. president on Saturday afternoon, Starmer said the United Kingdom stands ready to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
Netanyahu Convenes Emergency Security Meeting
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened Israel’s security cabinet to discuss the reported terms of a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening, according to Israeli media reports, and will focus on the implications of the proposed framework.
