Iran, US approach final agreement to end fighting
Marco Rubio (photo: Getty Images)
The United States and Israel could reach a framework agreement to end the war as early as the coming days. A final deal, meanwhile, could reportedly be concluded within two months, according to The Times of Israel and Reuters.
United States' stance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says it is possible that Iran agrees to a ceasefire deal as soon as today or in the coming days. The agreement would take the form of a memorandum of understanding.
"There is a chance that, whether it's later today, tomorrow, in a couple of days, we may have something to say, There's been some progress done, some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, there's some work being done," Rubio told reporters, adding that he hopes for "good news."
He also reiterated that the United States is demanding that Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz and hand over highly enriched uranium to Tehran.
"US President Donald Trump's preference is always to solve problems such as these through a negotiated diplomatic solution. That's what we're working on right now. But this problem will be solved, as the president's made… clear, one way or the other," the secretary of state added.
What Iran says and when final agreement expected
Following Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir's visit to Tehran, aimed at narrowing differences between the United States and Iran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is in the final stage of drafting a framework agreement to end the war.
He told state broadcaster IRIB that within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed, and ultimately a final agreement will be reached, adding that Iran is currently in the process of finalizing these memorandums of understanding.
According to the spokesperson, the parties initially intended to draft a 14-point framework agreement (a memorandum of understanding).
Based on the official statements, there is currently a trend toward rapprochement, but this does not mean the sides will reach an agreement on all key issues. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement based on several elements.
Nuclear issue may set aside
Meanwhile, Al Hadath reported another statement from Esmaeil Baghaei, stating that the nuclear issue will not be part of the US-proposed agreement. He claims that the immediate focus will be on ending the war.
The spokesperson said that at this stage, the parties will not discuss the details of the nuclear issue and have decided to prioritize the urgent issue — ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
According to him, Iran wants the nuclear issue and other matters to be discussed later, within the mentioned 30–60 days.
US, Israel diverge over war with Iran
Earlier today, The New York Times said the United States has excluded Israel from peace talks with Iran, citing overly optimistic assessments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the conflict that did not materialize.
CNN also reported that US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu have diverged in their views on the future of the war with Iran.
In particular, Trump has paused strikes to seek a diplomatic agreement, while Netanyahu has pushed for the resumption of military action.
