This article reports on fresh developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations and President Donald Trump’s public statements about a potential peace deal, including his on-the-record message listing regional leaders involved, and reactions from anonymous regional officials and Iranian spokespeople.
The White House has been the center of intense diplomatic activity as talks with Iran appear to have moved forward. President Trump indicated optimism while meeting with advisers and speaking with leaders from the Gulf and beyond. Conservative readers will note the emphasis on American leadership and leverage in shaping any agreement.
Earlier coverage noted that “President Trump, on Saturday, said that the proposed deal was a ‘solid 50-50.'” That comment captured the uncertainty that has followed several rounds of back-and-forth diplomacy. The line reflected both the hope that a diplomatic solution could be achieved and the readiness to use force if necessary.
Another report quoted President Trump saying it was a “solid 50/50” Saturday whether he could forge a peace agreement with Iran and would likely decide by May 24 whether to resume the war and “blow them to kingdom come.” Trump made those comments as he prepared to meet negotiators Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to talk over Iran’s latest response to the US peace proposal. Those words underline an approach that pairs negotiation with clear deterrence, a posture many Republicans prefer.
Now the tone from the White House has turned more forward-leaning. President Trump posted a detailed message on his platform saying the deal is “largely negotiated” and listing numerous regional leaders with whom he had conferred. The post frames this as a broad, multinational effort and emphasizes concrete changes like reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic win for global commerce and security.
I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE. An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well. Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Behind the public statements, regional officials cautioned that last-minute disputes could still derail a deal. An anonymous official told reporters that “last-minute disputes” could blow up the efforts and reminded observers that close calls have been reported before. That kind of caveat keeps expectations realistic while negotiations proceed.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door deliberations, cautioned that “last-minute disputes” could blow up the efforts. This is not the first time in recent weeks that a deal has been described as close.
He said the potential deal would include an official declaration of the war’s end, with two-month negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and the U.S. would end its blockade of Iran’s ports.
Iranian officials have described the draft as a framework that addresses the core demands Tehran sees as necessary to end hostilities. Their spokesperson emphasized that lifting sanctions and ending the war on all fronts are key priorities. Iranian statements also noted that nuclear specifics would be negotiated over a 30- to 60-day period, not settled immediately.
Iran state TV earlier quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as describing the draft as a “framework agreement” and adding: “We want this to include the main issues required for ending the imposed war and other issues of essential importance to us. Then, over a reasonable time span, between 30 to 60 days, details are discussed and ultimately a final agreement is reached.”
He said the Strait of Hormuz is among the topics discussed.
“Over the past week, the trend has been toward narrowing differences,” Baghaei told Iran’s official IRNA news agency, adding that nuclear issues are not part of current negotiations.
“Our focus at this stage is on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” Baghaei said, adding that lifting sanctions on Tehran “has explicitly been included in the text and remains our fixed position.”
As talks continue, American negotiators are balancing firm demands with the practical goal of ending a costly regional conflict. The insistence on reopening key maritime routes and formalizing a halt to hostilities reflects priorities that resonate with allies and economic stakeholders. Republicans will watch closely for whether the final terms defend American interests and regional stability.
This remains a fast-moving story with competing narratives and high stakes. Officials on all sides are signaling both progress and caution, and the president’s public posture blends diplomatic outreach with a clear message about American strength. Updates will follow as the final details are discussed and decisions are announced.
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