Iranian Foreign Minister States U.S. Deal 'Never Been Closer', Trump and Sharif Weigh In

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Friday that an agreement with the United States is 'never been closer.' The prospective deal includes extending a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, identified as a key mediator between the U.S. and Iran, concurrently posted on X that an 'agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached.' Sharif also noted that Pakistan is collaborating with the involved parties on subsequent steps.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had earlier expressed frustration over reports in Iranian state media regarding the deal's contents, characterized Araghchi's remarks as 'very positive.' Trump stated he had demanded public clarification regarding the Iranian media reports, which claimed Iran would receive billions in frozen assets immediately upon signing. The President also asserted that Iran had privately 'apologized for putting out false information,' though the method of this apology was not specified. Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be signed this weekend or on Monday.

Araghchi's post on X, referencing the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,' urged media to refrain from speculation until finalization, promising transparency and public disclosure of details later.

Before Araghchi's statement, Trump had posted on Truth Social, refuting Iranian leaks about the deal's terms, stating they had 'NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing.' He criticized the Iranian parties, calling them 'Very dishonorable people to deal with' and asserting, 'They better get their act together, and FAST!' Sharif also mentioned a misinformation campaign by actors aiming to 'sabotage the peace deal,' while reiterating that 'peace has never been this close as it is now.'

Previously, after Trump suggested on Thursday that the deal was finalized, Tehran indicated it had not made a 'final decision.' Sources close to the situation suggested that by Thursday evening, the deal had high-level approval on the Iranian side, though likely not from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

A central point of contention between the Iranian and U.S. claims revolves around Iran's billions of dollars in frozen funds. Iran maintains that these funds would be unfrozen immediately, while the U.S. position is that such economic benefits would only materialize in exchange for nuclear concessions. Vice President Vance reinforced this, stating 'economic benefits' would flow only if 'Iran meets its obligations,' and criticized attacks on the deal based on 'anonymously sourced social media posts.'

According to Axios, Iranian media reports had led to criticism of Trump from various political factions.