The United States and Iran moved closer to a deal aimed at ending months of conflict after US President Donald Trump cancelled planned military strikes and declared that an agreement with Tehran was near.<\/p>\n
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Trump said discussions had reached senior levels within the Iranian leadership and claimed a signing ceremony could take place soon. He told reporters that the war had been settled and said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen after an agreement was signed.<\/p>\n
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Iran responded with a more cautious message.<\/p>\n
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Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said large sections of a draft agreement had been completed but stressed that no final decision had been made by Iranian authorities. He said the document remained under review and rejected reports suggesting a signing date had already been agreed.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe have reached near-final text in major sections,\u201d Baghaei said. \u201cThe relevant authorities must review every detail of the text. As soon as we reach a final conclusion that serves the interests of the Iranian nation, it will be officially announced.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Baghaei accused Washington of undermining negotiations through changing positions and military action during the diplomatic process. He said Iran entered talks in good faith but faced new demands and attacks while discussions continued.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhile they speak of diplomacy and negotiations, they simultaneously resort to force, illegal actions, and criminal behavior,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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The spokesman added that Iran would not cross what he described as its national red lines and said pressure would not alter Tehran\u2019s position.<\/p>\n
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Trump\u2019s announcement marked a sharp change in tone. Earlier he had warned that Iran faced further military action and had raised the prospect of targeting additional Iranian oil infrastructure.<\/p>\n
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According to reports from US media, preparations have begun for a possible signing ceremony in Europe. Axios<\/a> reported that aircraft carrying equipment for Vice President JD Vance had departed for Europe<\/a> ahead of a potential event. Tehran has not confirmed those reports and continues to insist that approval has not yet been granted.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Financial markets reacted quickly. Major US stock indices rose after Trump signalled that military action had been halted. The S&P 500 recorded its largest daily gain since April, while the Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced. Markets in Asia followed with gains, including a sharp rise in South Korea\u2019s Kospi index.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Oil prices fell after investors assessed the reduced risk of further disruption in the Gulf.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the central issues in negotiations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Iran previously announced restrictions on shipping after attacks on its infrastructure and commercial vessels. Baghaei said the United States bore responsibility for instability in the waterway and accused Washington of creating unsafe conditions through military operations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Questions also remain over the scope of any future agreement.<\/p>\n
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