Will the U.S. and Iran Reach a 'One-Page' Agreement Within 48 Hours?...Iran Says "It's Just Wishful Thinking" (Comprehensive)

Trump "Hopes for Agreement Within a Week"
Iran Criticizes "Operation Fauxios"
"Possible Request for China's Mediation in Agreement"

Reuters Yonhap News

As U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that the end of the war with Iran might come as early as a week from now, key Iranian figures have responded by calling this an American wishful thinking. Their response came after reports that the two sides were set to sign a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding an end to the war, with Iran expected to deliver an answer within 48 hours. Some observers predict that it will be difficult for both parties to reach an MOU before the U.S.-China summit meeting scheduled for next week, citing ongoing differences over core issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. In this scenario, President Trump is expected to seek mediation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump: "Agreement Possible Within a Week... Iran Agrees to Renounce Nuclear Weapons"

AP Yonhap News

On May 6 (local time), President Trump mentioned the possibility of an imminent end to the war with Iran within a few days. In an interview with PBS, he said, "There is a possibility that an agreement with Iran could be reached before my scheduled visit to China next week (May 14–15)," adding, "There is a very high likelihood of reaching an agreement."

Fox News anchor Bret Baier reported after a call with President Trump that when asked about a specific timeline, President Trump estimated it would take about a week to wrap up all procedures and expressed cautious optimism. President Trump also told reporters at the White House that "Iran must not and will not have nuclear weapons," emphasizing, "They have agreed to this point along with several other matters."

President Trump's remarks came immediately after Axios reported that the United States and Iran were discussing the signing of a one-page MOU regarding the end of hostilities. Citing senior U.S. government officials, Axios said, "Discussions are underway on the signing of an MOU comprising 14 clauses," adding, "The main points include the suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment activities, the lifting of sanctions and release of frozen assets against Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." The report continued, "The United States will wait for Iran's response on key issues over the next 48 hours."

Axios further detailed, "After signing the MOU, both sides will conduct negotiations for 30 days, covering issues such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, restrictions on Iran's nuclear program, and the easing of U.S. sanctions. During this period, Iran's control of ships and the U.S. naval blockade will be gradually relaxed." However, it also explained that "if negotiations fail, the United States may restore the blockade or resume military action, as stipulated in the agreement."

Iran Responds Coolly: "This Is America's Wishful Thinking"

AP Yonhap News

In contrast, key Iranian officials have dismissed this as an American hope. Ebrahim Azizi, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, refuted Axios's report on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "This is closer to a list of America's wishes than reality," and added, "The United States has nothing to gain from face-to-face negotiations in a war where its defeat is already certain."

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, also criticized on X, saying, "After the failure of 'Operation Trust Me Bro,' the United States is now launching 'Operation Fauxios,' a fake Axios operation, as a strategy to divide public opinion." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also expressed deep distrust of the United States, telling French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that "Iran is ready for serious talks to end the war," but emphasized, "We do not trust the United States, as they attacked Iran twice during negotiations and betrayed us."

However, Iran's official stance is only that it is currently reviewing the U.S. proposal. Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "Iran is reviewing the U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war against Iran that has lasted more than two months, and will convey its views to the mediator country, Pakistan." According to Bloomberg, sources report that "The White House expects Iran to send a response within 48 hours via Pakistan, the mediator, and is waiting for it."

According to CNN, there are still major differences between the two sides on the nuclear issue, which remains a core concern. The United States initially demanded a 20-year limit on Iran's uranium enrichment, while Iran insisted on five years. Currently, a compromise in the range of 12 to 15 years is being discussed. Furthermore, Iran is demanding the right to resume production of low-enriched uranium at 3.67% after the restriction period, but the Trump Administration is rejecting this.

Mounting Pressure for Trump Ahead of China Visit: "May Seek Mediation Assistance"

Reuters Yonhap News

With such stark differences between the positions of the two sides, there are growing forecasts that, contrary to President Trump’s statements, it will be difficult to reach an end to the war before the U.S.-China summit. There is even speculation that Trump may request China’s assistance in mediating with Iran. Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that "President Trump has strong motivation to end the war before his visit to Beijing next week," adding, "If the war continues, he will be in a position to ask President Xi for help in getting Iran to accept his terms."

China, as a major purchaser of Iranian oil, is also expected to actively engage in mediation, especially as the country faces growing economic difficulties caused by rising international oil prices. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing the previous day, "The current regional situation is at a crucial turning point between war and peace," adding, "China believes that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities can no longer be delayed, that resuming war is even less desirable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to negotiations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.