The announcement came without prior public indication from Tehran, which has not confirmed the date or even the existence of a final text ready for signature.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Mr. Trump offered no details on the scope of the accord, the location of the signing, or which officials would represent each side. The president’s statement appeared to catch even some of his own aides off guard, as administration officials have recently described the talks as fragile and incomplete.
Iranian state media and diplomatic channels have remained silent on Mr. Trump’s deadline, refraining from any acknowledgment that a signing ceremony is imminent. The absence of confirmation from Tehran raises the possibility that the president’s announcement was premature or intended to pressure the Iranian government into a final commitment.
The deal, if concluded, would represent a major diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran after years of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Mr. Trump has long sought an agreement that would roll back Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief, though previous attempts have collapsed amid mutual distrust.
Negotiators have faced persistent obstacles, including disagreements over the pace of sanctions removal and the scope of international inspections. In recent weeks, both sides had signaled cautious optimism, but neither had suggested that a final document was ready for formal signing.
Critics of the administration’s approach warned that rushing a signing ceremony could mask unresolved technical details, potentially replicating the flaws of earlier nuclear pacts. Supporters argued that Mr. Trump’s willingness to set a firm date demonstrated decisive leadership and a desire to lock in progress before political dynamics shifted.
Without Iranian confirmation, the Sunday deadline remains unilateral. Diplomats and analysts will be watching closely for any movement in Tehran’s public posture, which could determine whether the announcement marks a genuine breakthrough or a diplomatic misstep.
