On the 6th (local time), the French Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle passed through the Suez Canal in Egypt and headed toward the southern Red Sea in preparation for the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This was to prepare for the mission supporting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, Axios reported that the United States and Iran are discussing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of hostilities. Suez Canal (Egypt) = AFP Yonhap News Agency

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U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted that the war with Iran could come to an end as early as a week from now, while key Iranian figures have responded by saying this is merely a wishful thought from the United States. This reaction came after reports the previous day that both sides were set to sign a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an end to hostilities, with Iran expected to respond within 48 hours. Some analysts predict that, given the differences between the two sides on major issues such as nuclear abandonment, it will be difficult to sign an MOU before next week’s summit between the United States and China. In that case, President Trump is expected to request Chinese President Xi Jinping’s mediation.

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

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

On the 6th (local time), near the office of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, a symbolic chair and his photo are on display. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

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President Trump’s remarks came right after Axios reported that the United States and Iran are discussing signing a one-page MOU regarding the end of hostilities. Citing senior U.S. government officials, Axios reported that "the two sides are discussing an MOU consisting of 14 provisions," with the main points being Iran’s suspension of uranium enrichment activities, lifting of sanctions and release of frozen Iranian funds, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The report added, "The United States will wait for Iran’s response to the key issues over the next 48 hours."

Axios further reported, "Initially, the two sides will conduct negotiations for 30 days after signing the MOU, discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, restricting Iran’s nuclear program, and easing U.S. sanctions. During this period, Iranian ship controls and the U.S. maritime blockade are to be gradually eased." However, the report also explained that "if negotiations fail, conditions allow for the United States to reinstate the blockade or resume military actions."

AP Yonhap News

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In contrast, key Iranian officials responded that these are merely hopes on the part of the United States. Ebrahim Azizi, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, refuted the Axios report on signing an MOU in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He said, "It is closer to a wish list from the United States than to reality," adding, "The United States will gain nothing from face-to-face negotiations in a war where its defeat has already been determined."

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, also wrote on X that "after the failure of the so-called 'Operation Trust Me Bro,' the United States is now launching 'Operation Fauxios,'" criticizing the move as a strategy to divide public opinion. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also pointed out that distrust toward the United States remains deep. In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron that day, he said, "We are ready for serious dialogue to end the war," but emphasized, "We do not trust the United States, as it attacked Iran twice during negotiations and betrayed us."

On the 6th (local time) in Lima, Peru, at a rally for presidential candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a man wearing a mask of U.S. President Donald Trump is shouting slogans. Photo by AP Yonhap News

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However, Iran’s official stance so far is simply that it is reviewing the U.S. proposal. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "Iran is reviewing the U.S. proposal to end a war that has continued for more than two months and will convey its position to the mediator, Pakistan." According to Bloomberg, sources say "The White House expects Iran to send a response within 48 hours through Pakistan, the mediator, and is waiting for it."

According to CNN, the two sides still have significant differences over the key issue of Iran’s nuclear program. The United States initially demanded a 20-year restriction on Iran’s uranium enrichment, while Iran insisted on 5 years, but a compromise of 12 to 15 years is currently being discussed. Furthermore, Iran is demanding that it be allowed to resume production of low-enriched uranium at 3.67% after the restriction period, but the Trump Administration is rejecting this proposal.

Reuters Yonhap News

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With such significant gaps between the two sides’ positions, there are growing expectations that, contrary to President Trump’s statements, an end to hostilities will be difficult to achieve before the U.S.-China summit. Instead, there is speculation that Trump may request China’s help in mediating with Iran. Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), "President Trump has a strong motive to end the war before his visit to Beijing next week," adding, "If the war continues, he will likely ask President Xi to help persuade Iran to accept his terms."

China, as a major purchaser of Iranian oil, is also expected to actively step in as a mediator, particularly as it faces increasing economic difficulties due to rising international oil prices. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated in talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing the previous day, "The current regional situation is at a critical turning point between war and peace," and added, "China believes that a comprehensive cessation of war can no longer be delayed, the resumption of war is even less desirable, and it is especially important to adhere to negotiations."