Trump says Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’ as fight over strait reopening

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday a “largely negotiated” memorandum of understanding ​on an Iran peace deal will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iranian Fars news agency contradicted ‌that report.

Trump said on social media that the emerging deal would restore the strait, the critical shipping corridor whose closure roiled global energy markets after the conflict began in February with US and Israeli assaults on Iran. He did not disclose what would be in an agreement. ““Final aspects and details of the Deal are being discussed right now, and will be announced shortly,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

But Fars, early Sunday, reported that the deal would give Iran control of the channel of Hormuz, and Trump’s statement ​about the channel was “inconsistent with reality.”

Iran’s top officials met with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and said they were moving toward a memorandum of understanding on ending ⁠the war.

The Pakistani army said the talks had made “encouraging” progress. “The deal being negotiated is fairly comprehensive to terminate the war,” two Pakistani sources involved in the talks said.

Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, complimented Trump on X for his “extraordinary efforts ​to pursue peace.”

The suggested framework would take place in three stages: legally ending the war, addressing the issue in the Strait of Hormuz and initiating a 30-day window for negotiations on a broader accord, which can be extended, sources told Reuters.

One of the Pakistani sources said if the US agrees to the memorandum, more negotiations might take place after the Eid holiday finishes on Friday.

TRUMP TALKS TO MIDDLE EAST LEADERS

The US president, whose favour ratings have been hurt by the impact of the war on oil prices for US consumers, announced on Friday he would not attend his son’s wedding this weekend, citing Iran among the reasons he wanted to stay in Washington.

Trump said on Truth Social he had a phone chat Saturday with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. The leaders reportedly urged Trump to sign onto the evolving framework, Axios said.

Trump said that a second call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went “very well.

Pakistan has sought to reduce gaps between Iran and the US after weeks of war have closed the critical Hormuz strait to most shipping despite a tentative ceasefire.

Trump has frequently asserted the US hit Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies developing nuclear weapons and maintains it has a right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.The trend this week has been toward a ⁠reduction in disagreements, but there are still concerns that need to be resolved through mediators. “We will have to wait and see how the situation ends in the next three or four days,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Iran has asked for control over the strait and for the US to stop the blockade on its ports and abolish the restrictions on Iranian oil shipments.

Baghaei said the issue of the US blockade on Iran’s shipping was essential but that its priority was stopping the danger of further US assaults and the current struggle in Lebanon, where Iran-allied Hezbollah fighters are fighting Israeli troops who have moved into the south.

Pakistan’s army chief Munir departed Tehran Saturday after discussions with Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.

Qalibaf claimed Iran’s military forces have rebuilt their capabilities during the ceasefire and if the US “foolishly restarts the war,” the results would be “more forceful and bitter” than at the outset of the conflict.

Iran has maintained its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium, and its missile, drone and proxy capabilities, despite weeks of conflict.