Former US President Donald Trump recently claimed he was on the verge of approving a major peace deal with Iran, which he stated would include significant concessions from Tehran. These purported concessions included the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear program. However, these claims were swiftly met with strong denials from top Iranian officials, indicating that a final agreement had not been reached, leading observers to suggest Trump might be employing his characteristic negotiation tactics, often described as the 'art of the deal,' to de-escalate a conflict that has severely impacted global energy supplies and the world economy.

Detailing the terms of this alleged deal on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that Iran ‘must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb.’ He also specified that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened for all traffic without tolls, mines in the waterway eliminated, and that the United States would be permitted to unearth and destroy highly enriched uranium from a secure nuclear site within Iran. Furthermore, the deal, according to Trump, would preclude the transfer of frozen assets to Iran. He also mentioned that he would lift the US naval blockade against Iran, though it was unclear if this was conditional on the agreement’s confirmation. Trump concluded his announcement by stating, 'I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination.'

These terms, presented by Trump as a completed understanding, effectively outlined a comprehensive wishlist of US demands, suggesting Iran had capitulated on core positions. These included its long-held right to exact tolls from ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen assets, and its insistence on maintaining its nuclear program, which it claims is for peaceful purposes. The portrayal of such a deal would imply a significant diplomatic victory for the United States.

Despite Trump's announcement, Iranian officials quickly signaled defiance. Sources close to the government denied that any deal had been reached. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Friday that no final understanding existed between Iran and the US, characterizing Trump's post as 'in line with his usual pattern of making unilateral and egotistical statements.' Esmaeil Baqaei, the foreign ministry spokesperson, confirmed to state media that while 'exchanges of messages are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached yet.'

Further elaborating on their skepticism, Tasnim reported that there had been no discussion regarding the nuclear issue. The news agency also advised that Trump’s reports of lifting the US’s own blockade in the Strait of Hormuz should be met with 'scepticism.' Iran’s Fars news agency described Trump’s publication as a 'mixture of truth and lies,' specifically refuting claims about the opening of the Strait of Hormuz without fees or the destruction of Iran’s nuclear material.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, reinforced the country’s firm stance, stating that Iran had 'no trust in guarantees or words – only actions are the measure.' Ghalibaf issued a defiant message, indicating Iran's preparedness for another round of fighting should talks to extend the ceasefire and end the war fail. He provocatively remarked, 'We seize concessions not through dialogue, but with missiles; in negotiations, we merely make them understand. The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war from the day after.'

The diplomatic landscape surrounding these claims was further complicated by other international actors. US Vice-President JD Vance had hinted on Thursday night that an agreement was close. However, reports suggested Trump needed more time to decide on backing a negotiated agreement that would defer many difficult issues, including the fate of Iran’s remaining stockpile of nuclear materials, to subsequent negotiations. Senior Iranian officials reiterated there was no plan to allow the export of its uranium, although some observers suggested this might not preclude downblended uranium. Trump also faced the challenge of persuading a reluctant Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, to accept the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any agreement, especially as Netanyahu had recently intensified attacks on Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, including Beirut. Netanyahu did not directly comment on the Iran deal, instead focusing on Israeli military operations.

Iranian officials continued to challenge US positions directly. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, expressed Iran's unwavering resolve regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that Iran's control of the waterway was globally recognized, leading countries to 'obtain permission, pay the costs, and, with the guidance of the IRGC Navy, pass their vessels through.' Rezaei dismissed Trump's attempts to forcibly open the strait, claiming they 'come and get beaten and go back.' He also questioned the necessity for Iran to renounce nuclear weapons in any agreement, declaring, 'This matter is none of America’s business.'

Concurrently, Ebrahim Azizi, chair of the parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, denied any reports about the potential transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to a third country or mediator, affirming the Islamic Republic’s intention to retain these materials. Despite these strong denials, Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian adopted a more conciliatory stance earlier, thanking Pakistani mediators for their efforts towards reaching an agreement, following a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and a meeting between Pakistan’s foreign minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting ongoing, albeit complex, diplomatic engagements.