US and Iran send mixed signals on peace deal timing as Trump insists on Sunday signing

Mixed signals on signing

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that a deal would be signed Sunday, Trump's 80th birthday. Trump posted that "the Agreement is scheduled to be signed tomorrow and immediately after its signing, the Straits of Hormuz are OPEN TO ALL." Iran's foreign ministry, however, denied that a Sunday signing was set, stating an agreement could come "in the next few days." Sharif had earlier indicated an electronic signing within 24 hours, followed by technical talks next week.

“In reality, they no longer want nuclear weapons, nor will they have them, neither through purchase, development or any other form of procurement.”

Terms of the potential agreement

According to Axios, the memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, a resumption of nuclear negotiations, and arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian deputy security official Mahmoud Nabavian claimed the text requires US military forces to withdraw from the region within 30 days of a final deal. Another Iranian official, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Iran will impose service fees at the strategic waterway.

“Iran will charge service fees.”

Domestic and international pushback

The prospect of a deal has provoked sharp reactions. In Iran, hardliners protested in Mashhad, chanting slogans against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom they accuse of excessive concessions. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene the security cabinet, with officials voicing concern that the deal could harm Israel's security interests. US Democratic Representative Seth Moulton called the proposed terms "essentially a surrender document."

“This is essentially a surrender document.”

Market and strategic stakes

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been effectively blocked since hostilities began. Any opening, even with service fees, would have significant market impacts. Tim Constantine, a Washington Times columnist, told Al Jazeera that Trump's priority is preventing a nuclear-armed Iran. "If he can show where that is absolute or measurable and enforceable, then he can claim he has won," Constantine said.

“The number one priority of Trump is that Iran not have nuclear weapons. And if he can show where that is absolute or is measurable and enforceable, then he can claim he has won.”