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Iran live updates: Trump says agreement with Iran could be signed as early as this weekend
Trump said the deal is "subject to finalization of documents."
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.
Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal.
Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations are concluded "one way or the other."
Key Headlines
- US shoots down 2 Iranian drones attempting to strike ships in Strait of Hormuz: Official
- Trump says agreement with Iran could be signed as early as this weekend
- Trump claims deal is close this time because Iran has 'taken a pounding'
- Netanyahu said he spoke to Trump about 'memorandum of understanding'
- Deal is 'very close' after 'breakthroughs,' source says
- IDF claims a new area of Lebanon is under Israeli control
Netanyahu surprised by news of imminent US-Iran deal
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised by President Donald Trump's social media post about an imminent deal, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Israel was not looped into the approval process, according to the source.
Deal is 'very close' after 'breakthroughs,' source says
A deal between the U.S. and Iran is "very close," a source with knowledge of the negotiations told ABC News.
"The Qatari delegation departed from Tehran this morning following talks with Iranian officials, conducted in coordination with the United States, that lasted into the early hours of this morning. The deal is very close as mediators have hit some breakthroughs," the source said.
IDF claims a new area of Lebanon is under Israeli control
The Israel Defense Forces claimed the area north of the Saluki River in Lebanon is now under its control saying it is working to clear the area.
"The operation was part of the effort to strengthen positions in southern Lebanon and remove the direct threat to the communities of the Galilee Panhandle and Metula. The Saluki River area has been used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization as a prime location for operating explosive drones and launching indirect fire attacks against IDF soldiers operating in the area," the IDF said.
"During the operation, the troops, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force, dismantled hundreds of terrorist structures and eliminated more than 50 terrorists. In addition, several weapons were located, including explosive devices, anti-tank missiles, and anti-tank launchers," the IDF said.
Trump says he canceled scheduled strikes against Iran as talks proceed
President Donald Trump said he has "cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran" Thursday evening based on discussions with Iran that have been approved by "the highest level of Iranian leadership."
"Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly," Trump said in a post on social media.