Trump says deal to end war to be signed on Sunday, but Iran questions timing

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that an initial deal to end the war in the Middle East would be signed on Sunday, although Iran denied the signing would take place so soon.

Trump added in a social media post that the Strait of Hormuz, a ‌vital artery for global oil supplies which Iran has blocked, would be immediately “open to all” after the deal is signed.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, to be followed by technical-level talks next week.

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned against commenting on the timing of the signing.

“We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow,” state media quoted Baghaei as saying.

“The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out. However, due to the hesitation of the other side, we must be cautious in making any comments about this process.”