Washington: Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

US President Donald Trump announced late Thursday night that a "fantastic deal" had been reached with Iran. Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Tel Aviv was not a party to the memorandum of understanding, noting that Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for Trump's commitment to Israel.

Trump stated that the agreement with Iran could be finalized within the next few days, adding that its signing would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the agreement documents were in their final stages and that his understanding was that the Iranian Supreme Leader had approved them.

While the US president mentioned the possibility of signing the agreement in Europe, he indicated that his Vice President, Jay D. Vance, would attend the signing ceremony.

For its part, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the agreement with Washington was not yet finalized, confirming that the text of the understanding was nearly ready.

It added that mediators were currently active, with Pakistan and Qatar playing a significant role in the mediation. The ministry emphasized that the highest authorities would review all clauses of any potential agreement and that an official position would be announced in due course. The ministry also clarified that reports regarding the timing and location of the agreement with the United States remain within the realm of media speculation, according to Euronews, a Brussels-based European news network.

Meanwhile, Iranian television reported hearing explosions near the coast of Sirik, overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, while the Fars News Agency stated that Iranian forces prevented a tanker from entering the strait without prior coordination.

On the Lebanese front, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continued targeting Israeli forces stationed there.

The Israeli army had previously announced its operational control over the Wadi Saluki area in southern Lebanon.

On Friday morning, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, wrote on the X website: "I spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi about the recent escalation in the Gulf and the status of negotiations with the United States.

I also contacted Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The resumption of attacks on Gulf states and their vital infrastructure is unacceptable." A return to full-scale war would inflict heavy losses on the entire region. Diplomacy remains the best way out of this conflict.