Trump may announce Iran deal before Friday: Vance
What's the story
United States Vice President JD Vance has said that President Donald Trump could release a preliminary deal to end hostilities with Iran before Friday. The announcement comes after Trump confirmed that the deal had already been signed. The agreement was electronically signed by leaders in the US and Iran. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is described by Vance as "about a page and a half" long and quite general in nature.
Deal specifics
Deal details start to emerge
Senior US officials have started to disclose some details of the deal. They said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen on Friday, the same day the deal is officially signed in Geneva. Technical talks on Iran's nuclear program are expected to begin this week, with any sanctions relief or asset release contingent on Iran meeting its commitments under the agreement, officials said.
Document details
MOU lays out framework for benefits
Vance explained that the MOU lays out a framework for Iran to receive benefits by fulfilling its obligations. He said in "paragraph one" of the document it is outlined that Iran will commit itself to "regional peace and stability," which he added includes stopping the funding of "terrorist organizations." "Most importantly, they're going to have a verifiable commitment to not building a nuclear weapon," he said.
International discussions
Trump at G7 summit
The development comes as Trump attends the G7 summit in France, where a special session on Iran will be held on Tuesday. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are attending this session. On the first day of the summit, during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said, "I am very happy to say it's signed," referring to the preliminary agreement. It was signed electronically by Trump, Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Deal
Lebanon issue may pose ashurdle to deal
The deal will extend the cease-fire for another 60 days, during which the parties will discuss the specifics of a final agreement. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country had been mediating, announced the breakthrough on Sunday, saying it includes "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza "as long as necessary."