Trump Urges Caution in Iran Negotiations
US President Donald Trump has directed his negotiation team "not to rush into a deal" with Iran, following reports indicating that an agreement was nearing completion.
US media outlets have reported that the proposed deal includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and further discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program.
In a social media post, Trump described the talks as "constructive" but emphasized that "both sides must take their time and get it right."
On Saturday, Trump stated that an agreement had been "largely negotiated," which led to speculation that an announcement might be imminent.
However, Iranian media reports indicate that there remain "one or two" unresolved issues in the potential agreement.
Iranian officials also indicated progress over the weekend, though foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei clarified that this did not guarantee agreements on key matters.
Background of the Conflict and Ceasefire
On 28 February, Israel and the US conducted extensive air strikes targeting Iran. In response, Tehran launched drone and missile attacks against Israeli and US interests in Gulf countries.
An April ceasefire, intended to facilitate negotiations, has largely been upheld despite occasional exchanges of fire.
Trump's Statement on Negotiations
In a Sunday post on Truth Social, Trump stated:
"Negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side."
"Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!"
Trump reiterated that Iran "must understand" it cannot develop a nuclear weapon, a position he has consistently maintained and which is shared by Israel and other Western allies.
The US and its allies suspect Iran aims to develop a nuclear weapon through uranium enrichment, but Tehran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Trump also noted in his social media post that the US blockade of Iranian ports, effective since early April, will remain "in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed." The blockade is a measure to pressure Tehran into accepting US terms.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz and Economic Impact
Meanwhile, Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing this critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transit. This action has contributed to a global surge in oil prices.
Progress and Statements from Officials
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that "significant" though "not final" progress has been made in the talks. He suggested that recent developments over the past 48 hours could lead to a "completely open strait... without tolls" if successful.
On Saturday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state television that Iran was finalizing a "memorandum of understanding" to enable further discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement.
Trump also referenced a "memorandum of understanding" in a Truth Social post on Saturday.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, acting as a mediator in the talks, expressed optimism, stating that recent negotiations provide "grounds for optimism" and that a positive outcome is "within reach."
Some US media sources reported that no formal agreement between the US and Iran was expected to be signed on Sunday, citing officials.
