US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran to end the war are now “very high.”
Trump confirmed during remarks to reporters from the Oval Office that there had recently been “very good talks” between the two sides, amid intensive efforts led by Washington to contain the military escalation and open a new negotiating track regarding the Iranian nuclear program.
“We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll reach an agreement,” the US president said, according to Sky News.
Trump emphasized that the US “prevented Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” adding, “They will not get a nuclear weapon, and they have agreed to that, among other things.”
He pointed out that “most of Iran’s leaders are dead, and we have won,” referring to the recent military developments in the region.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that he intends to give Tehran a one-week deadline to reach an agreement, a move showcasing escalating US pressure in parallel with ongoing political contacts.
On the verge of a peace agreement
US website Axios quoted informed sources as saying that Washington believes it is “on the verge” of reaching an understanding with Iran that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war in the Middle East.
This comes as part of a preliminary agreement that paves the way for broader negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.
According to the sources, both sides are discussing a one-page memorandum of understanding containing 14 key points, aimed at declaring a ceasefire and initiating 30 days of negotiations.
The report indicated that the proposed agreement stipulates that Iran would freeze its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for a gradual lifting of US sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and easing restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources confirmed that Washington is awaiting an official response from Tehran within the next 48 hours.
The US administration continues to explore a mechanism for imposing an enhanced inspection regime on Iranian nuclear facilities in exchange for easing the naval blockade and economic sanctions.
Although a final agreement has not yet been reached, Axios sources described the ongoing talks as “the closest to an agreement since the outbreak of the war,” given the continued disagreements over the duration of the suspension of uranium enrichment and the mechanisms for international monitoring of Iranian nuclear facilities.
