Washington, June 12: US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that a deal to end the three-month-old war with Iran is nearly complete and could be signed in Europe as early as this weekend, raising hopes of a breakthrough in a conflict that has rattled global oil markets and drawn international concern.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said Vice President JD Vance would likely attend the signing ceremony and described the proposed agreement as a “very strong” and “very detailed memorandum of understanding.”
He said the deal would permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route through which around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes.
“They will not purchase, develop in any way, shape or form a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters. “They’ve taken a pounding like very few people could take, and they want to make the deal a lot more than I do.”
Later, during a tele-rally supporting Georgia Lt Governor Burt Jones, Trump went even further, declaring that the United States had effectively ended the war.
“We ended the war with Iran today, and they have agreed never to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.\
Trump’s comments came just hours after he threatened to intensify military action against Iran and seize control of Kharg Island, the country’s key oil export hub.
However, he abruptly backed away from the threat, saying progress in negotiations had persuaded him to cancel planned strikes.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian officials were more cautious.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told state television that mediators from countries including Qatar, Pakistan and Turkiye remained actively engaged but that no final agreement had been reached.
Analysts say Trump’s tougher rhetoric may have been intended to pressure Tehran while reassuring hawkish supporters at home.
Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said the US president appears eager to secure both a diplomatic breakthrough and a political victory.
“Trump wants to bring this to an end, but he is looking for both a victory lap and an exit ramp,” Vaez said.
The conflict, which erupted three months ago, has proved unpopular with many Americans and has disrupted global energy markets.
Although Trump has repeatedly claimed the US and Iran were close to a deal in recent weeks, previous efforts failed to produce a formal agreement.
The issue is expected to dominate discussions at next week’s G7 summit in France, where Trump will meet several world leaders who have criticised both the war and his handling of the crisis.
Trump nevertheless expressed confidence that an agreement could be finalised before those talks begin, potentially marking a major foreign policy achievement for his administration. (AP)
