US President Donald Trump appeared convinced yesterday (Thursday) that a deal to end the war in Iran will be reached soon.
Trump said the next meeting between the US and Iran could take place over the weekend and assessed that it was possible that the two-week ceasefire already agreed to by the two sides could be extended. Nevertheless, he added that it is possible that an extension may not be needed as Tehran wants an agreement to be reached.
“We will see what happens. But I believe we are very close to a deal with Iran,” the US president said, addressing reporters outside the White House. He also noted that if there is an agreement and it is signed in Islamabad, he might go there himself.
A few hours later from Las Vegas, Trump reiterated that the war “will probably be over soon enough.”
Meanwhile, a Pakistani source involved in mediation between the US and Iran said today that progress is being made in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts and estimated that an upcoming meeting between the two sides may result in the signing of an agreement.
Initially, the US and Iran will sign a memorandum of understanding and a comprehensive agreement will follow within 60 days, the source who wished to remain anonymous noted.
“The detailed agreement will come later. Both sides agree in principle and the technical bits come later,” he clarified.
Another diplomatic source said Pakistan’s key mediator, the country’s chief of the army general staff, Major General Asim Munir, has been in talks in Tehran since Wednesday and has made progress on “thorny issues”.
