US has ‘every intent of getting’ Iran deal done Sunday: Ambassador Waltz

U.S. Aims to Finalize Iran Deal by Sunday, Says Ambassador Waltz

US has every intent of getting - On June 14, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz confirmed that President Donald Trump remains "determined to complete" the initial outline of a peace agreement with Iran by Sunday. Despite the lack of a formal announcement, Waltz emphasized the administration’s strong commitment to the timeline, though he acknowledged the challenges posed by Iran’s negotiation style.

Confidence in the Deal’s Timeline

During an interview on ABC News’ "This Week," Waltz addressed questions about the progress of the deal, stating, "The president has every intent for the agreement to be signed today." When asked about the certainty of the Sunday deadline, he responded, "It’s a priority, and the team is focused on making it happen." However, he also highlighted the complexities of the negotiations, noting that the Iranian side is "inconsistent" in its approach, particularly due to internal divisions within their leadership.

"The Iranians are incredibly difficult negotiators, and they’re not always aligned with their supreme leader’s directives," Waltz explained. "That creates uncertainty, but we’re confident the deal will be finalized as planned."

While the U.S. has signaled its readiness to proceed, Iran has not yet confirmed the Sunday timeline. A spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry stated on Saturday that the "memorandum of understanding is likely to be concluded in the coming days," leaving room for potential delays. This ambiguity has sparked discussions about the deal’s stability and the likelihood of its success.

Key Elements of the Agreement

The proposed agreement centers on key issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the negotiation of Iran’s nuclear program. According to U.S. officials, the deal would allow for the resumption of maritime trade through the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments. Additionally, it would address remaining concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the exact terms remain undisclosed.

A senior administration official described the agreement as a "framework for progress," stating it would "lead to the dismantling" of Iran’s nuclear program. "The highly enriched uranium has to go, and their enrichment facilities must be de-activated," the official said. This marks a shift from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had more lenient sanctions relief terms.

"They have agreed to that," Raddatz interjected, prompting Waltz to clarify, "All of those elements are on the table, but the deal is still in its early stages. A lot of the specifics will be worked out in future talks."

The agreement also includes provisions for verification, a major point of emphasis for the current administration. "This deal is about ensuring accountability," Waltz said. "In the past, the JCPOA had significant loopholes that allowed Iran to circumvent commitments."

Comparison with the 2015 JCPOA

Waltz highlighted the key differences between the new framework and the 2015 JCPOA. "The main distinction is the pay-for-performance model," he explained. "Unlike the Obama-era deal, which provided upfront sanctions relief, this one ties benefits to Iran’s actions." This approach aims to address criticisms that the previous agreement was too generous to Iran.

Under the JCPOA, Iran was required to limit its nuclear activities, but the verification process was less rigorous. "The Iranians could classify sites as military rather than civilian," Waltz noted. "That gave them flexibility to delay compliance." In contrast, the current deal includes stricter oversight, with Iran expected to allow more frequent inspections of its facilities.

Waltz also pointed out the importance of "real-time verification," a feature he said would prevent past shortcuts. "The Obama deal had gaps in monitoring, but this one closes those loopholes," he said. However, he admitted that without full details, it’s difficult to assess the full scope of the changes.

Expert Perspectives on the Agreement’s Viability

Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who played a pivotal role in the 2015 negotiations, offered her insights during a separate interview on "This Week." She acknowledged the challenges of the current timeline, stating, "The timeframe is ambitious, but the outcome could mirror the JCPOA in many ways." Sherman also warned that the deal’s success would depend on the implementation of verification measures.

Despite the optimism, some analysts remain skeptical. "While the U.S. has made clear progress, the Iran side’s internal disagreements could complicate matters," one expert said. "Their supreme leader’s influence is still a wildcard." Nonetheless, the administration is proceeding cautiously, balancing urgency with the need for agreement.

Regional Implications and Next Steps

The deal’s potential impact on the region is significant. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz would ease tensions and restore a critical trade route, but it also raises questions about long-term stability. "The agreement is a step toward de-escalation, but it’s not a permanent solution," said a regional analyst. "It sets the stage for future negotiations, but the details matter."

As the deadline approaches, both sides are preparing for the next phase of talks. The U.S. has outlined its priorities, including the removal of enriched uranium and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, while Iran is focused on securing economic concessions. "The Iranians are willing to negotiate, but they want guarantees," Waltz said. "That’s what we’re working on."

Waltz also emphasized that the agreement is a "memorandum of understanding," which means it is not a binding treaty yet. "This is the first step, and we’ll build on it," he said. "The details will be finalized in the next round of talks." While the Sunday deadline is a milestone, the finalization of the deal will require sustained diplomatic efforts.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The 2015 JCPOA, which Iran’s nuclear program was the focus of, was celebrated as a major achievement in U.S.-Iran relations. However, its shortcomings, such as the flexibility Iran had in classifying sites, have been a point of contention. The current deal seeks to rectify these issues by implementing a more transparent verification system.

Waltz’s comments underscore the administration’s desire to avoid repeating past mistakes. "We’re not just trying to reach an agreement; we’re trying to create a sustainable one," he said. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the long-term viability of the deal. "It’s about building trust and ensuring compliance," he added.

As the deadline nears, the international community is watching closely. The success of the agreement could influence the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and set a new precedent for Iran’s nuclear diplomacy. For now, the focus remains on the Sunday signing, with both sides working to overcome their differences and achieve a breakthrough.

With the Strait of Hormuz a focal point of the agreement, the deal’s outcome may have immediate implications for global energy markets. Vessels navigating the strait have already begun to move more freely, though the full impact of the deal will depend on its implementation. As Waltz put it, "This is about more than just sanctions relief—it’s about securing a stable and verifiable agreement for the long term."

The next few days will be crucial for determining the deal’s success. While the U.S. is confident in its ability to finalize the agreement, the challenge lies in Iran’s readiness to commit. "We’re doing everything we can to make this happen," Waltz said. "The president’s intent is clear, and the team is working tirelessly to meet the deadline."