world 13 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US and Iran reportedly nearing preliminary deal to end protracted conflict
President Donald Trump announced an impending deal to end the Middle East war, with Iran questioning the immediate timing of the signing. The agreement aims to reopen critical oil shipping lanes and involves the release of frozen Iranian assets. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-says-deal-to-end-war-will-be-signed-on-sunday-iran-questions-timing-5495340
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that a preliminary agreement to conclude the ongoing Middle East war is set to be signed on Sunday. The announcement, however, was met with skepticism from Iran, which suggested the timeline was premature.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the proposed deal includes provisions for the U.S. to begin releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and to lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports. In return, Iran would reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, stated that a framework for the peace deal had been agreed upon and that an electronic signing ceremony was being prepared for Sunday. He expressed optimism that a peace deal was closer than ever before.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, cautioned against definitive statements on the signing date, noting that while the agreement might occur in the coming days, “we must be cautious in making any comments about this process” due to “hesitation of the other side.”
The conflict, which began on February 28 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has significantly disrupted global energy markets and resulted in thousands of casualties. The war has also fueled a resurgence of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
A U.S. official confirmed that Iran’s requirement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was a key part of the agreement, with the U.S. lifting its blockade concurrently. Discussions also include the demining of the straits, potentially involving G7 nations.
Draft terms suggest the U.S. would also waive sanctions on Iranian oil exports as part of the agreement. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that the release of frozen assets was integral and that Iran might charge for services in the Strait of Hormuz. The future of foreign military bases in the region and Iran’s nuclear program are also slated for discussion in subsequent talks.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not be a party to this agreement, despite prior U.S. pressure on Israel to curb military actions in Lebanon.