US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Iran are close to finalising an agreement that would bar Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, raising the prospect of a signing ceremony within days and a broader easing of tensions across the Middle East.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said negotiations had advanced to the point where final documents were being prepared. “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalization of documents, which should get done over the next few days,” Trump told reporters.
“We have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Trump said the agreement could be signed “very soon,” possibly over the weekend in Europe, although he indicated Vice President JD Vance would represent the administration at any formal ceremony.
The President said he had spoken with leaders from several countries involved in the diplomatic effort, including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. A central element of the proposed deal, according to Trump, is Iran's commitment to permanently forgo nuclear weapons.
“They will not purchase, develop in any way, any shape, in any way, shape or form a nuclear weapon,” he said. “They will not have a nuclear weapon.” Asked whether Iran's Supreme Leader had approved the arrangement, Trump replied: “Sir, I understand the answer is yes.”
Trump described the framework as “a very strong memorandum of understanding” and said it had been endorsed by countries with significant influence in the region. “It's a very detailed memorandum of understanding, also agreed to by many other countries that have great influence over them,” he said.
The President also said the maritime blockade linked to the conflict would end once the agreement is signed. “The Strait will open as soon as we have it signed,” Trump said. “Maybe it'll be Saturday or Monday.” He claimed the United States had been conducting operations to secure shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes.
“We brought many, many ships across and millions, hundreds of millions of barrels of oil were brought across,” Trump said. Trump argued that recent military pressure had altered Tehran's calculations and increased its willingness to reach an agreement. “They've taken a pounding,” he said. “They want to make the deal a lot more than I do.” He further claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been severely degraded during the conflict. “Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, their anti-aircraft is gone,” Trump said.
“But we found them to be rational and they're going to make a deal.” Throughout his remarks, Trump repeatedly returned to what he called the core objective of the negotiations. “Iran will in no way, shape or form have a nuclear weapon or purchase a nuclear weapon,” he said.