UNITED States President Donald Trump has signalled caution over a possible agreement with Iran despite reports that negotiations are nearing completion, saying he has instructed American negotiators “not to rush into a deal” as high-stakes talks continue over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
The remarks came amid mounting speculation that Washington and Tehran were close to finalising a framework agreement that could ease tensions across the Middle East, reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and extend an existing ceasefire arrangement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said discussions remained “constructive” but stressed that both sides needed more time to ensure the agreement was properly finalised.
“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,” Reuters cited Trump writing.
“Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”
The US president had earlier indicated on Saturday that an agreement had been “largely negotiated”, fuelling expectations that a formal announcement could be imminent.
According to reports in American media, the proposed arrangement under discussion includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire reached in April, renewed access through the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Iran’s tightening control over the strait during the conflict triggered sharp increases in global energy prices and heightened fears of wider economic disruption.
Washington has simultaneously maintained a blockade on Iranian ports since April in an effort to pressure Tehran into accepting US conditions.
Trump said the blockade would remain “in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed”.
The latest developments follow months of escalating tensions after the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and several US-aligned Gulf states.
Although a ceasefire brokered in April has largely held, sporadic exchanges of fire have continued while diplomatic negotiations intensified behind closed doors.
Iranian officials have acknowledged progress in the talks but cautioned that significant disagreements remain unresolved.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said discussions had advanced but warned this did not mean consensus had been achieved on critical issues.
Reports in Iranian media suggested there were still “one or two” outstanding disputes preventing a final agreement.
Baghaei also confirmed that Tehran was working on a “memorandum of understanding” intended to facilitate additional rounds of negotiations.
Trump similarly referred to a “memorandum of understanding” in his own social media remarks over the weekend.
Among the key issues reportedly under discussion is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, estimated at around 440 kilogrammes. Western powers suspect the material could eventually be used to develop nuclear weapons, although Tehran insists its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Trump reiterated that Iran “must understand” it cannot obtain a nuclear weapon, a position strongly backed by Israel and several Western allies.
The possible agreement has also exposed divisions within the Republican Party, with several senior figures criticising the administration for what they regard as excessive concessions.
Senator Ted Cruz described the proposed deal as “a disastrous mistake”, while Senator Roger Wicker warned that a prolonged ceasefire would mean “everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”
However, Representative Mike Lawler defended the negotiations, arguing that the administration had successfully pressured Tehran into engaging in serious diplomacy.
“The administration has managed to force the remnants of this regime into a negotiation, a real negotiation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who has played a mediating role in the talks, said recent developments provided “grounds for optimism” that a positive outcome was now “within reach”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the negotiations as making “significant” though “not final” progress, hinting that recent breakthroughs could eventually result in a “completely open strait... without tolls”.
Despite growing optimism, several US media outlets reported that no formal agreement was expected to be signed immediately, with officials indicating further negotiations remain necessary before any final settlement can be concluded. - May 25, 2026
