Trump Claims Iran Deal Near, Iran Denies Final Agreement

President Donald Trump has again asserted that a resolution with Iran is on the horizon, even as Tehran insists no binding accord has been reached. Trump said the United States would have struck Iran “very hard” on Thursday, but later announced a cancellation, citing a “great settlement” that negotiators had just secured. He added that the paperwork is “pretty final shape” and a signing ceremony could take place in Europe within the next few days.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the reports, calling them speculative and stressing that “nothing has been finalised.” He noted that while the text of the memorandum is largely complete, the United States has introduced “excessive demands” and new requests that Iran will not abandon its red lines.

The backdrop to these statements is the ongoing flare‑up that began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli and U.S.‑allied targets in the Gulf and temporarily shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Despite a ceasefire agreed in April, the conflict has seen sporadic exchanges of fire, including two rounds of retaliatory strikes this week.

Trump reiterated that the proposed deal would ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, describing it as “a very big thing.” He also promised that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once the agreement is signed. The president said he had spoken with Gulf allies and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who confirmed a conversation and expressed appreciation for the U.S. commitment to dismantle Iran’s enrichment infrastructure, limit missile production, and curb support for regional terrorist proxies.

The market reaction was swift: Brent crude fell to roughly $89 a barrel (£66), down 4.4% on the day. Trump’s remarks come as the White House pushes for a rapid conclusion to talks aimed at ending the conflict and addressing security concerns in the region.

Earlier this month, on 20 April, Trump had promised a deal would be reached “relatively quickly,” a promise that has yet to materialise according to Iranian officials. The latest statements underscore the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S.–Iran relations.