Trump tells US negotiators 'not to rush' into deal with Iran

May 25, 2026

President Trump has instructed US negotiators to slow down discussions with Iran despite previously indicating a deal was nearly complete. The proposed agreement under consideration includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and establishing a framework for future nuclear negotiations, though it postpones resolution of difficult issues like sanctions relief and frozen Iranian assets. The potential deal has created division among Republican lawmakers, with some criticizing it as too soft on Iran while others praise the administration for bringing Iran to serious negotiations.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and US negotiators
Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei and President Masoud Pezeshkian
Republican lawmakers (Senator Ted Cruz, Roger Wicker, Representative Mike Lawler)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Israel
US-allied Gulf states
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar (mediating)
Global oil and liquefied natural gas markets/consumers
Ships and businesses dependent on the Strait of Hormuz

What action is being taken

US and Iranian negotiators are conducting talks
The US is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is mediating the negotiations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is speaking to journalists about the negotiations

Why it matters

This matters because the Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, and its closure has caused oil prices to soar globally. The negotiations could prevent further military escalation in the Middle East following the February strikes and Iranian retaliation. Additionally, the discussions address international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium that could potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons. The outcome will also affect regional stability involving Israel and US-allied Gulf states.

What's next

Negotiators will continue talks on finalizing a memorandum of understanding
If an agreement is reached, Iran may eventually hand over its highly-enriched uranium
The Strait of Hormuz could be completely opened without tolls following recent progress
Further negotiations would address final settlement issues including sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds, and curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions
The US blockade of Iranian ports will remain until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed

Read full article from source: BBC