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President Donald Trump announced tonight that a sweeping agreement involving Iran and several Middle Eastern nations is nearing completion, saying the remaining details are expected to be revealed “shortly.”

In a lengthy message posted to Truth Social, Trump said he had participated in a major call from the Oval Office with a number of Arab and regional leaders to discuss what he described as a developing peace framework tied to Iran.

“I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.”

Trump indicated that negotiators have already reached broad consensus on the framework and that only final steps remain before the agreement is formally unveiled.

“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well.”

He added, “Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

According to Reuters, the developing arrangement is expected to proceed in three phases: formally ending the conflict, addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and beginning a 30-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader long-term understanding, with an option to extend those talks if needed.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath reported that an official familiar with the negotiations said a public declaration could come within “a few hours.”

A source involved in the talks also told The Washington Times that Washington and Tehran are expected to jointly confirm the agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators finalized a draft proposal early Saturday and anticipated an announcement within 24 hours.

The report added that senior negotiators on both sides have already approved the draft text, leaving only formal signoff from the leadership of the participating countries.

Al Jazeera, citing an Iranian source, reported that the proposed memorandum would include an end to the war, the lifting of the blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of American forces from the active conflict zone.

According to the report, “the memorandum of understanding includes ending the war, lifting the siege, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of American forces from the war zone. The memorandum of understanding does not include nuclear issues because they are complex and require time for negotiations. Thirty days after the agreement, the door can be opened to nuclear negotiations.”

Even as momentum toward an agreement appeared to build, Trump cautioned that a final outcome was far from guaranteed.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said the odds of reaching what he considers an acceptable deal remain uncertain. “solid 50/50,” he said, before adding, “I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good.”

Trump also said he does not believe Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu fears the United States will agree to unfavorable terms. He reiterated that any final agreement would address Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

{Matzav.com}

A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could be formally announced as early as Sunday, according to multiple reports, setting off growing debate in Washington over whether the proposed arrangement would strengthen Tehran’s position in the region.

Reuters reported that the emerging agreement would unfold in three phases: first, a formal declaration ending the war; second, steps aimed at stabilizing the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz; and third, the opening of a 30-day negotiating period for a broader long-term accord, with the possibility of extending those talks.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath cited an official who said the announcement is expected within “a few hours.”

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the discussions told The Washington Times that American and Iranian officials are preparing to unveil the finalized agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators reached consensus on a draft framework early Saturday and anticipated a public announcement within a 24-hour period.

According to the report, senior negotiators from both countries have already signed off on the draft, leaving only final authorization from the leadership on each side before it can move forward.

The White House declined to comment on the report from The Washington Times.

The possibility of a ceasefire drew immediate criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who warned that any agreement leaving Iran with leverage over regional shipping lanes or oil infrastructure could embolden the regime.

US Senator Lindsey Graham responded, “If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He continued, “This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel.”

Graham also questioned the logic behind the conflict if the final result leaves Iran with the same military leverage that initially triggered the confrontation.

“Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability.”

“It is important we get this right.”

US Senator Roger Wicker voiced similar concerns, warning against trusting Tehran to negotiate honestly under a temporary ceasefire arrangement.

“The rumored 60-day ceasefire – with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith – would be a disaster. Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”

{Matzav.com}