(SeaPRwire) – By: Julian Holbrooke
The US-Iran peace deal seems more elusive than ever. Iran circulated multiple versions of the proposed interim agreement, while Trump stuck to the Sunday timeline. All versions share elements like reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and nuclear – program talks. But key differences, especially on Iran’s financial relief, make it hard to gauge the deal’s win for either side.
The official stance from the US is that a deal is close. Trump promised to sign by his 80th birthday on Sunday. Fox News reported him saying a deal would be signed in two to three hours on Sunday afternoon. However, Israel’s attack on Lebanon earlier that day made the signing seem less likely. Trump called on Israel to stop.
In reality, Iran is cautious. It doesn’t like signing on Trump’s birthday. Also, different drafts have significant discrepancies. Bloomberg saw a version suggesting a $300 – billion reconstruction program. Reuters reported a draft allowing the release of $25 billion in frozen assets, which Bloomberg’s version lacked. Iran’s Mehr news agency said final negotiations need half of frozen funds released, oil sanctions suspended, and the naval blockade lifted.
The Trump administration’s lack of details on the deal reflects the challenge. Trump wants to end the war but is hesitant to meet Iranian demands, which American Iran hawks oppose. The geopolitical pendulum remains uncertain until these differences are resolved.
Author bio: Julian Holbrooke, an overseas international relations analyst contributing to major European daily newspapers.
