President Donald Trump recently suggested that an agreement with Tehran is near, conflicting with Iranian officials’ defiance towards the U.S. These mixed messages have cast doubt on efforts to end the Iran War. Trump’s comments on Saturday raised hopes, but a U.S. official later told Axios that Iran might need several days to approve a ceasefire deal. This conflict began on February 28 and entered a ceasefire on April 7.
Markets responded favorably to the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran controls. However, on Monday, an Iranian official stated that Iran would not succumb to U.S. pressure, saying “time was against” Trump. The status of Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear as both sides provided different views on a potential agreement to end hostilities.
U.S. Stance
On Saturday, Trump claimed a deal to end the war was “largely negotiated.” However, a senior U.S. official told Axios that an agreement was not yet expected and that leaders like Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei might need time to approve it. An unnamed senior U.S. official stated negotiations are ongoing and whether this leads to an agreement is “still an open question.”
During a visit to India, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the U.S. and Iran have “a pretty solid thing on the table” and a deal might be reached soon. This potential agreement involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and further talks about Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Response
Iranian officials expressed strong messages on Monday but did not explicitly reject deal terms. The nuclear program issue seems unresolved. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, posted on X advising against believing Trump’s remarks.
Do not believe the bluff of the failed president; time is against the Americans. If they want an agreement, they should negotiate. If they want $6 gas, they should stand firm and bluff until the grass grows under their feet. Iran does not bow to force or threats.
Reuters, citing an Iranian official, reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has not approved the deal framework. Although Trump set stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as a goal, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated no such bomb would be built. The Supreme Leader has remained silent on this topic recently.
Disagreement on Nuclear Program
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted on Monday that talks focus on ending the war, not the nuclear issue. Trump reportedly demands Iran to stop uranium enrichment, vital for making a nuclear bomb, which Iranian officials oppose. On May 21, Trump said Iran must export its highly enriched uranium (HEU) for any deal. However, Iranian media reported no such commitments.
Hossein Noushabadi from Iran’s Foreign Ministry informed ISNA that rumors of a 20-year uranium enrichment halt in the draft agreement are false. He stated the nuclear issue would be reviewed during 60-day talks in exchange for lifting sanctions, full release of Iran’s assets, and withdrawal of U.S. forces from around Iran.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Trump stated any deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz but was unclear about Iran’s permanent control over the waterway, essential for global hydrocarbon transit. Iran insists on maintaining sovereignty and permanent control, potentially charging tolls. According to the reported peace deal, the Strait would gradually reopen as the U.S. ends its blockade of Iran’s ports.
The U.S. naval blockade remains until an agreement is “reached, certified, and signed.” Iran might be allowed to sell its oil through sanctions waivers, with sanctions relief negotiated during a 60-day period, reported the Associated Press.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) commented that Tehran feels stronger than the U.S. in these negotiations and seeks to reshape the regional order favorably for Iran. According to the think tank, Iran has not publicly committed to significant nuclear concessions, seeing the draft agreement as delaying nuclear talks while securing relief from military and economic pressures.
Iran insists any agreement should end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Tehran-backed Hezbollah. Trump supports Israel’s goal against Hezbollah but urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unwilling to stop operations in Lebanon, to moderate strikes.