A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could be formally announced as early as Sunday, according to multiple reports, setting off growing debate in Washington over whether the proposed arrangement would strengthen Tehran’s position in the region.
Reuters reported that the emerging agreement would unfold in three phases: first, a formal declaration ending the war; second, steps aimed at stabilizing the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz; and third, the opening of a 30-day negotiating period for a broader long-term accord, with the possibility of extending those talks.
Saudi outlet Al Hadath cited an official who said the announcement is expected within “a few hours.”
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the discussions told The Washington Times that American and Iranian officials are preparing to unveil the finalized agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators reached consensus on a draft framework early Saturday and anticipated a public announcement within a 24-hour period.
According to the report, senior negotiators from both countries have already signed off on the draft, leaving only final authorization from the leadership on each side before it can move forward.
The White House declined to comment on the report from The Washington Times.
The possibility of a ceasefire drew immediate criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who warned that any agreement leaving Iran with leverage over regional shipping lanes or oil infrastructure could embolden the regime.
US Senator Lindsey Graham responded, “If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”
He continued, “This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel.”
Graham also questioned the logic behind the conflict if the final result leaves Iran with the same military leverage that initially triggered the confrontation.
“Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability.”
“It is important we get this right.”
US Senator Roger Wicker voiced similar concerns, warning against trusting Tehran to negotiate honestly under a temporary ceasefire arrangement.
“The rumored 60-day ceasefire – with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith – would be a disaster. Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”
{Matzav.com}
