Iranian source: US-Iran deal may mark turning point in Middle East

Ongoing mediated negotiations between Washington and Tehran are showing significant advancement and could represent a “turning point” in attempts to resolve the conflict and usher in a “new era of stability and prosperity to our region,” a senior Iranian official told CNN.

“A lot of progress has been made, especially in the past few days,” toward achieving a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict between the US and Iran, the source said. “We hope the Trump administration seizes this opportunity for a lasting and stable solution.”

On Saturday, May 23, US President Donald Trump stated that a wider agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” while noting that several technical details are still being finalized with Tehran and “various other countries.”

The Iranian official also highlighted the involvement of regional states in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. “We are grateful to our friends and partners in the region for their sincere efforts. It shows that the Middle East is changing and becoming a strong and independent block,” the source said.

Addressing the status of the Strait of Hormuz — which Trump suggested would be reopened under any prospective deal — the official argued that the waterway is already operational, while adding that “coordination with Iranian relevant authorities must happen to ensure safe transit.”

The source further cautioned Trump that any renewed US military action would trigger an “uncontrollable escalation” in the Middle East and beyond.

“Our armed forces are ready to defend our nation’s interests and dignity to the last bullet and soldier,” the source added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada