It looks like a U.S.-Iran deal could be announced soon, even before the White House hosts its first UFC night and celebrates President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. On Sunday, several commentators in Washington, D.C., including right-wing influencer Bennie Johnson, tweeted an encouraging sign of white smoke billowing from the White House.
What does white smoke mean?
The term “white smoke” is most famously associated with the Vatican, where smoke rising from chimneys marks the outcome of the College of Cardinals’ voting process. The white smoke indicated that a new pope had been chosen, becoming a globally recognized symbol of a well-thought-out and successful decision.
But there is no scientific basis linking the white smoke to the US-Iran agreement.
“White smoke in the White House! Traditionally that means a huge new peace deal has just been signed. Peace comes with strength! 🇺🇸✍️” one person wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform. They also attached a video of the scene.
Read more: US seeks peace deal to hand over Iran’s ‘booby-trapped’ uranium mines and mines: report
“White smoke at the White House! Traditionally that means a new peace deal has been signed ✍️,” Bennie Johnson tweeted.
Latest news on US-Iran deal
New Israeli air strikes on Beirut threaten to derail progress as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a U.S.-Iran deal. The attacks targeted Hezbollah-linked sites in the Lebanese capital, according to the Israeli military, while the Lebanese Health Ministry reported that three people had been killed and 16 injured.
The attack comes at a delicate moment as negotiators from several countries, including Pakistan and Qatar, are trying to hammer out a deal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the deal could be signed on Sunday, while Iranian officials said it could be completed within days.
Read more: Iran deal takes precedence over Israel? Bibi disappeared as Trump hosted Middle Eastern leaders during G7 summitDespite the setback, President Donald Trump remains confident that negotiations are still on track. Responding to the latest developments, he posted on social media: “We are very close to an agreement that will bring peace to the region, including Lebanon,” and “Let’s not mess this up!”
Trump later said in an interview with Fox News that he still hoped to reach a deal within hours and intended to ask Iran not to retaliate against Israel’s actions.
However, Iranian officials issued warnings after the Beirut attack. Ibrahim Aziz, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, declared: “A strong reaction is coming.” Ali Akbar Velayati, another senior adviser close to the Iranian leadership, warned that Tehran may take action to close the Bab el-Mandeb waterway if military operations in Lebanon continue.
Meanwhile, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who played a leading role in the negotiations, warned Washington after the attack: “It is impossible to continue on this path without the will and ability to fulfill its commitments.”
