US President Donald Trump is weighing a critical decision on whether to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as negotiators race to secure a broader agreement to end months of conflict that has destabilised the Middle East and rattled global energy markets.
Trump said he would make a “final determination” following a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room on a proposal to prolong the existing truce by another 60 days, allowing both sides additional time to negotiate a permanent settlement.
Reuters reported on Saturday that while the discussions have fuelled optimism that an agreement may be within reach, substantial differences remain over several of the most contentious issues at the heart of the conflict.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that an agreement was close but had not yet received final approval, underscoring the fragile nature of the negotiations.
Following a two-hour meeting in the White House Situation Room, a US official declined to confirm whether Trump had reached a decision, but stressed that Washington’s core demands remained unchanged.
"President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon," the official said.
Trump has made clear that any extension of the ceasefire must be accompanied by commitments from Tehran regarding both its nuclear ambitions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important energy shipping routes.
"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions," Trump said, adding that nuclear material would be "unearthed" by the U.S.
Tehran, however, appears unwilling to accept those conditions. Iranian officials have indicated that nuclear issues are not included in the current ceasefire discussions, while insisting that decisions concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz fall within the authority of Iran and neighbouring Oman.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency dismissed Trump’s remarks as an effort to create the impression of a diplomatic triumph.
The agency reported that the strait would only be fully reopened under conditions determined by Tehran and after the United States lifts restrictions on Iranian shipping.
The future of Iran’s frozen overseas assets has also emerged as a potential sticking point. Iranian media reports suggested that negotiators had discussed the release of up to US$12 billion in blocked funds, although Trump publicly rejected suggestions that any financial transfers were imminent.
"No money would be exchanged until further notice," Trump said.
The ceasefire negotiations come against a backdrop of growing domestic pressure on the US administration. Rising fuel prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have become an increasingly sensitive political issue ahead of November’s congressional elections, while Trump also faces criticism from foreign policy hawks opposed to concessions towards Iran.
The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on 28 February, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, while triggering economic repercussions far beyond the region through disruptions to global energy supplies.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump suggested progress had been made towards restoring maritime traffic through the strait.
"Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favorite President!" he wrote, referring to crews aboard vessels stranded during the crisis.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic framework under discussion could include international oversight of Iran’s nuclear materials. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the Financial Times that Kazakhstan had indicated a willingness to take custody of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium should a broader agreement be reached.
Iran is also seeking extensive sanctions relief, the withdrawal of US military forces from parts of the region and an end to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon as part of any comprehensive settlement.
The outcome of Trump’s decision is likely to have significant implications not only for regional stability but also for global energy markets, which have reacted positively to reports of progress in the negotiations.
Oil prices fell and equity markets advanced on Friday amid hopes that a breakthrough could reduce tensions and restore normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz. - May 30, 2026
