Trump Signals Imminent U.S.-Iran Deal Amid Regional De-escalation Push

President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran could be finalized within the next two to three days, stating that negotiations have reached a point where no major "sticking points" remain. As part of the proposed agreement, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to international shipping, addressing critical global energy and economic concerns. In a significant shift in rhetoric, the President also warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel could be "on its own" should it choose to restart military operations against Iran after a formal ceasefire is established. The diplomatic push appears to have expanded beyond a bilateral U.S.-Iran agreement into a broader regional de-escalation package. Reports indicate that draft ceasefire language and proposals are being exchanged through third-party channels in Pakistan, with the framework potentially including Lebanon and other regional fronts. This multi-front approach aims to stabilize the "resistance axis" and address the Houthi-led maritime blockade in the Red Sea, which has recently threatened to unravel previous truces. On the economic and nuclear front, any finalized deal is expected to trade strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program for significant sanctions relief. A key component of the negotiations involves the unfreezing of Iranian assets, with Tehran reportedly seeking phased access to approximately $24 billion. While military tensions remain high following recent direct exchanges between Israel and Iran, the current emphasis from Washington is on achieving a diplomatic breakthrough to prevent a full-scale regional war.