Trump Claims Near‑End to Iran Conflict Amid Tehran’s Uncertain Stance

Fri Jun 12 2026 07:46:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former president Trump says a deal with Iran is close, but Iranian officials deny any finalisation – tensions rise after US and Israel strikes.

President Donald Trump declared that a settlement with Iran is almost finished, citing cancelled strikes and a promised signing. Iran’s foreign ministry, however, calls the reports mere speculation and insists no agreement has been finalised. The US and Israel’s recent missile attacks have provoked reciprocal strikes from Iran, escalating regional tensions and prompting a dip in Brent crude prices. Israel’s Prime Minister and other regional allies have expressed optimism about the talks, while Iranian officials warn against continuing provocation.

Trump claims a deal to end the Iran war is close

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has reached a "great settlement" to end the war with Iran and a formal signing is expected "in the next few days". He added that the deal would prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon and would see the Strait of Hormuz open once the papers are signed.

In stark contrast, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state television that reports of an agreement are "speculative" and that "nothing has been finalised". He said the United States had added "excessive demands" and new requests to a document that is already in a "final shape".

The claim comes after a series of confrontations: the US and Israel launched widespread missile strikes on Iran on 28 February, after which Iran retaliated by striking the US, Israel and Gulf allies, and shutting the Strait of Hormuz. The latest US statements followed a wave of attacks that included a US Apache helicopter crash and firing on naval vessels.

Brent crude oil fell to about $89 a barrel, a decline of 4.4 % on a single day, in response to the escalating tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a dialogue, stating Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding but praised Trump’s commitment to a final agreement that would eliminate Iran’s enriched material, dismantle its enrichment infrastructure and curb missile production.

Baghaei also warned that the Iranian military would not "depart from its red lines" and threatened a more severe retaliation if further attacks ensued. Meanwhile, the US has threatened to seize Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure, saying it would assume control of Iran’s oil and gas markets.

Key Timelines:

20 April – Trump announced a deal with Iran would be made in the "relatively quickly".

6 May – Trump predicted the war would end "over quickly" and that both sides were nearing an agreement on a 14‑point memorandum of understanding.

23 May – Trump said the peace deal was "largely negotiated" and that details would be unveiled soon after.

27 May – Vice President JD Vance said the deal was "very close" but not yet finalised.

28 May – President Trump held a meeting to make a "final determination" on talks with Iran, though no deal was announced.

11 June – Trump reiterated that the US made a "great settlement" to end the war and a deal would be signed within "the next few days".

Regional responses include Jordan shooting down 20 Iranian missiles and Kuwait’s military engaging hostile aerial targets. India has summoned a senior American diplomat following a U.S. strike that killed three Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman. The US blockade of Iranian ports is aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports, though it has led to disputes over maritime freedom.

Call for de‑escalation from the United Nations and other global actors underscores the growing concern over continued hostilities, with a UN spokesperson urging all parties to return to full implementation of the ceasefire.