U.S. and Iran Dispute Peace Deal Timing as Gulf Combat Persists

A public rift has emerged between Washington and Tehran regarding the timing of a proposed peace agreement. President Trump announced via social media that a deal is scheduled to be signed this Sunday, characterizing the agreement as a definitive barrier against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Presidential statements suggested that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately following the signing. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has pushed back against this schedule, with officials stating they are not prepared to sign on that specific timeline and blaming the delay on American hesitancy. Despite the diplomatic friction, mediation efforts led by Pakistan continue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated that an agreement remains close and could be finalized within 24 hours. The proposed framework reportedly includes a 60-day technical negotiation phase focused on nuclear limits, though the current diplomatic impasse centers on the signing of the initial memorandum rather than technical specifics. On the ground, the conflict remains active with a second night of direct military engagements. U.S. forces reportedly intercepted Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz as the two nations traded strikes. The strategic waterway remains closed to commercial shipping, and reports of attacks on vessels continue, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing negotiations.