President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States had reached the outline of a deal to end hostilities with Iran, predicting a formal signing ceremony could take place in Europe within days and describing the emerging agreement as a historic breakthrough in a conflict that began in late February.
Why It Matters
A finalized agreement would mark the end of one of the most significant U.S. military engagements in years, with direct consequences for global energy markets, regional security, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for world oil supplies, and drawn in coalition partners across the Middle East and beyond.
What Happened
Trump told reporters Thursday that senior administration officials were close to formalizing a deal with Tehran, and that Iran’s Supreme Leader had already approved the agreement. “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran and we’re going to be subject to finalization of documents, which should get done over the next few days, probably have a signing, maybe in Europe, and it’s a great thing,” Trump said.
The president described the accord as “a very strong memorandum of understanding” that would prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. He also said the deal included an end to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised fuel costs and disrupted global trade since the conflict escalated. Trump declined to set a firm deadline for the signing but said it would happen “pretty quickly.”
Trump said he would not attend the ceremony himself, indicating he would likely send Vice President JD Vance in his place. Broad multinational backing was cited by the president, who listed the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others as participants in the discussions.
The announcement came on a day of sharp reversals. Earlier Thursday, Trump posted that the U.S. military was preparing another round of intense bombing and that American forces would seek to seize Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure. He later reversed course, posting that he had “cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening.”
Israel’s Position
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office posted a statement making clear that Israel does not consider itself bound by the agreement. Separately, Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s reported commitment that any final deal include the removal of enriched nuclear material, dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on Iranian missile production, and an end to Iran’s support for terrorist proxy forces.
For more on the state of nuclear-related negotiations, see earlier reporting on the U.S. and Iran nearing a memorandum of understanding as details on nuclear material removal remain unsettled.
By the Numbers
Late February — when the conflict between the U.S. and Iran began.
May 1 — the date the Trump administration sent a letter to Congress declaring the war “terminated,” though bombing later resumed after an Iranian drone shot down a U.S. helicopter.
12+ nations — the number of countries Trump cited as backing the discussions leading to the agreement.
Four to five months — the timeframe Trump referenced when discussing elevated fuel and fertilizer costs connected to the conflict.
Congressional and Domestic Context
The path to this point was marked by political friction at home. Democrats in Congress forced floor votes on War Powers resolutions challenging Trump’s legal authority to sustain a prolonged bombing campaign without a formal declaration of war or explicit Congressional authorization. The administration’s May 1 letter asserting the war had ended did not resolve those disputes before hostilities resumed.
Trump also addressed the agricultural sector Thursday, acknowledging that American farmers faced higher input costs during the conflict, particularly for fertilizer. He said he might consider financial assistance for affected farmers, though he stopped short of committing to a specific program. “The farmers have a problem with fertilizer, but that’s all coming down now,” Trump said.
What’s Next
Final documentation is expected to be completed over the coming days, with a signing ceremony tentatively planned for a European location. The agreement’s durability will depend in part on whether the key conditions Trump outlined — including verified removal of nuclear material and dismantlement of enrichment facilities — are incorporated into binding terms rather than remaining aspirational. Israel’s stated non-participation adds an additional variable to regional implementation.