Why Did Iran Wait Until Midnight To Finalise Its Peace Deal With Trump?

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 07:36 IST

The reason had little to do with diplomacy and everything to do with symbolism

When the United States and Iran finally announced their breakthrough peace agreement, one seemingly minor detail stood out: Tehran insisted on waiting until after midnight local time before the deal was finalised.

The reason, according to The New York Times, had little to do with diplomacy and everything to do with symbolism.

Iranian negotiators reportedly did not want the agreement to be formally concluded on June 14 in Iran because that would have coincided with US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. Instead, Tehran pushed for the announcement to come only after the clock struck midnight, ensuring that the deal would be dated June 15 in Iran. At the same time, because of the roughly 7.5-hour time difference between Tehran and Washington, it was still June 14 in the United States. The result was a diplomatic compromise of sorts: both sides got the date they preferred. Trump could still present the deal as a birthday achievement in America, while Iran avoided formally signing it on his birthday at home.

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Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, ...Read More

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