SENTINEL
GLOBAL conflict · international · severity 9

US-Iran war ceasefire deal imminent as negotiations intensify

After more than 100 days of direct military conflict, the United States and Iran appear closer than ever to formalising a ceasefire framework. US President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that a memorandum of understanding would be signed on Sunday, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — a key mediator — echoing that the deal was within 24 hours. The draft agreement is reported to include limits on Iran's nuclear programme, the suspension of oil sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed for roughly 100 days, disrupting global energy flows. Qatari negotiators flew to Tehran on Sunday morning to help finalise the text.

Iran's government cast doubt on Trump's timeline, with the FARS news agency stating that Tehran had 'not yet taken a final decision,' and hardline protesters inside Iran voiced opposition to any concessions. The Iranian foreign ministry said a signing could come 'in the coming days' rather than immediately. Complicating matters further, the newly appointed IRGC chief was reported to have frequently overruled Iranian leaders during negotiations, pushing for a harder line. The IAEA said it stands ready to verify any nuclear provisions once an agreement is reached.

Israel, which views a US-Iran deal as a strategic setback, launched airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs — targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure — on the same day Trump announced the impending deal. Israel also issued evacuation orders for 29 villages in south Lebanon and reported drone strikes on northern Israel. Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett publicly warned the country was at 'an existential moment.' The G7 summit opening in Evian, France on Monday, where Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky and Middle Eastern leaders, is now set to be dominated by the status of this deal and its consequences for regional security.

Sources

← Back to this edition