German Media: Trump Turns 80, Will a U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Framework Be Signed? Israel Bombs Beirut

Both Pakistan and the United States stated that a deal to end the war would be signed on Sunday, but Iran remains skeptical. On Sunday, the Israeli military launched strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, adding further uncertainty to the agreement's prospects.

On Saturday, June 13, U.S. President Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both announced that a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the war against Iran was set to be signed on Sunday. Pakistan has been conducting intensive diplomatic mediation between Washington and Tehran.

Later, Trump posted on social media that after the agreement is signed, the Strait of Hormuz—the global supply chain bottleneck—would reopen to all nations.

June 14, Sunday, is also Trump’s 80th birthday. When asked about his birthday wish earlier, he paused for a few seconds before saying, “World peace.”

After the U.S. launched its war against Iran in late February, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, in April, the U.S. began imposing a counter-blockade, targeting all vessels attempting to travel to and from Iranian ports.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both sides have agreed on the framework of a peace deal. He posted on X: “The agreement is expected within the next 24 hours.” Islamabad is preparing to complete electronic signing on Sunday, followed by technical-level talks aimed at implementing the accord.

A source told CNN that the decision to proceed with electronic signing was driven by logistical and technical considerations, as people hope to avoid delays that could ultimately lead to the collapse of negotiations.

Iran Denies Signing Date on Sunday

However, before Trump’s post, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei made a very cautious statement regarding the signing timeline. He said that while “the possibility cannot be ruled out in the coming days,” the signing “will not take place tomorrow (Sunday).” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also denied reports of a signing on Sunday, criticizing Trump’s insistence on finalizing the deal on that day as “unusual.”

If Washington and Tehran can sign a relevant memorandum of understanding, it will open a new round of negotiations lasting 60 days to discuss how to implement the framework. Although a ceasefire has already been reached between the U.S. and Iran, this agreement has repeatedly been violated. The ongoing negotiations aim to permanently end the war.

Israel Bombs Suburbs of Beirut

Despite ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, on Sunday the Israeli military carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the suburbs of Beirut. Thick smoke was visible rising over the Lebanese capital.

This strike will hinder the U.S.-Iran negotiation process. According to the Associated Press, the current version of the framework agreement deeply disappoints the Israeli government.

After Israel’s attack on Lebanon, Iran’s chief negotiator stated that the U.S. cannot guarantee compliance with its obligations, rendering such negotiations “meaningless.” Iran’s military also declared it would not stand idly by in response to Israel’s latest assault.

Tehran has consistently demanded that any ceasefire talks include provisions to stop attacks on Lebanon.

Source: DW

Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1867998587908104/

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