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Trump slows pace of Iran negotiations
US President Donald Trump announced he has directed negotiators to avoid rushing into an agreement with Iran, despite earlier indications that a deal was nearing completion. The shift follows weekend signals from both Washington and Tehran suggesting a breakthrough was imminent.
Key terms of the proposed agreement
The reported deal includes a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, and a framework for further talks on Iran's nuclear program. However, critical issues remain unresolved, including the timing and scope of sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and specific demands from Washington regarding Iran's nuclear activities.
Mixed reactions from US lawmakers
The proposed agreement has sparked division among Republicans. Senator Ted Cruz criticized it as "a disastrous mistake," while Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that a 60-day ceasefire would undermine gains made during Operation Epic Fury. In contrast, Representative Mike Lawler praised the administration for compelling Iran to engage in "a real negotiation."
Recent developments and Iran's stance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Delhi on Monday that a "pretty solid" proposal was on the table, focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and initiating time-limited nuclear negotiations. Rubio suggested progress in the last 48 hours could lead to the strait being "completely open... without tolls."
Iranian officials have described the negotiations as both "very close and very far" from an agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Saturday that Tehran was finalizing a "memorandum of understanding" to pave the way for further discussions on a final deal. Trump echoed this terminology in a post on Truth Social the same day.
Nuclear concerns and economic impact
Trump reiterated in his Sunday post that Iran "must understand" it cannot develop nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Reports suggest the potential deal could involve Iran eventually surrendering its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
At the outset of the conflict, Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity-just a short step away from weapons-grade levels. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured state television that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
Regional mediation and next steps
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been mediating the talks, expressed optimism that a positive outcome is "within reach." The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports since early April, which Trump stated will remain in place "until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed."
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, was effectively closed by Iran following US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The closure sent oil prices surging worldwide, underscoring the stakes of the ongoing negotiations.
