Trump says US-Iran deal to end war could be signed as soon as this weekend

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a deal to permanently end the US-Israeli war on Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, following a day of dramatic developments. “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,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He said Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and advisor Jared Kushner would represent the US at the signing. Trump added that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the deal.

Continued hostilities

Despite the announcement, US forces carried out a second day of strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday evening, following Iran’s downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The IRGC said it struck 18 major US military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Just hours before announcing the breakthrough, Trump had threatened to continue striking Iran “very hard” and to seize Iran’s Kharg Island. Asked if the threat was still on the table, Trump told reporters: “If we sign this agreement, it would be.”

Türkiye’s role

Trump said he had spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he described as “great” in helping to end the war. The inclusion of Türkiye among the approving parties is significant, as Ankara has maintained close ties with both sides and has offered to host talks.