Trump Says US-Iran Deal to be Signed Sunday as Tehran Casts Doubt on Timing

President Donald Trump announced on social media that a deal to end fighting between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, even as Iranian officials have expressed uncertainty about the timeline for finalizing the agreement. Trump's post on Truth Social stated that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, would be "open to all" once the deal is completed, highlighting the economic implications of the potential accord.

Pakistan, which has served as a key mediator in the negotiations, indicated Saturday that the deal was "likely expected" to be finalized within 24 hours and that officials were "preparing for the electronic signing." However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei expressed more cautious language about the timing, telling reporters that "we will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow [Sunday]."

The apparent discrepancy in timing comes as a delegation from Qatar, another mediating nation in the talks, arrived in Tehran on Sunday, according to Iranian media reports. It remains unclear whether this high-level diplomatic visit could affect the expected signature timeline or represents final consultations before the agreement is formalized. The involvement of multiple mediating countries underscores the complex nature of the negotiations that have led to this potential breakthrough.

In his Truth Social post, Trump made apparent reference to Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, stating that "at the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust," adding that it would later be destroyed. For decades, Iran has faced accusations from Western countries of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, charges that Tehran has consistently denied, maintaining that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes including electricity generation and research.

Trump also included a warning in his announcement, stating that if things do not "work out quickly, easily and smoothly," Washington had "the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again." The cryptic reference appeared to suggest military options remain available if diplomatic efforts fail, maintaining pressure on Iran even as both sides appear close to reaching an agreement that could significantly de-escalate tensions in the strategically vital Persian Gulf region.