Details of potential Iran deal emerge; Trump not in rush

The United States is close to reaching a deal with Iran that would end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, regional officials said on Sunday. They said details and timelines would be worked out later.

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Trump: would like to see a real deal with Iran. REUTERS

(REUTERS)

Iran has not publicly committed to giving up its uranium—a key demand of US President Donald Trump—and the sides previously seemed close to a deal in recent weeks. Trump on Saturday said a deal had been “largely negotiated,” after calls with Israel and other regional allies.

“The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” Trump said on social media Sunday. He said the US relationship with Iran is becoming “much more professional and productive.”

The strait’s reopening would begin to ease a worldwide energy crisis sparked by the surprise US and Israeli bombardment of Iran on 28 February which led Tehran to effectively close the crucial waterway. Prices have spiked for oil, gas and several downstream products, jolting the world economy. Experts say it would take several weeks or even months for shipping and prices to recover to prewar levels.

The US has blockaded Iranian ports for over a month, and Trump on Sunday said the blockade “will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.” although not final progress, has been made” in negotiations, and the world would no longer need to fear Iran getting a nuclear weapon, without elaborating.