Trump Confident of Imminent Iran Deal

The Iran-US conflict is set to enter a new phase, with President Donald Trump expressing confidence that an agreement with Iran is imminent. According to CBS News, in a phone interview on Sunday, 24 May 2026, Trump declined to provide specific details of the Iran deal but stated that ‘it’s getting better and better every day.’ ‘I can’t tell you before I tell them, can I?’ Trump told CBS News. Trump said he believes the final deal would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, adding that he ‘wouldn’t even be discussing it’ if that weren’t the case. He described the agreement as ensuring ‘satisfactory’ handling of Iran’s enriched uranium. ‘I will only sign a deal where we get everything we want,’ he said. Sources told CBS News that Trump is still considering various proposals and has not yet made a decision. They said he is consulting with advisors and foreign leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Three sources told CBS News that Trump was scheduled to hold a phone call with Gulf and other nations’ leaders on Saturday afternoon. According to US officials familiar with the situation, the call would address Iran negotiations. A regional official told CBS News that some leaders were unaware of which option Trump was leaning towards. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed optimism that a peace deal with Iran was imminent. Rubio told reporters in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, 23 May, ‘There might be some news later today. Maybe not. I hope so.’ ‘There’s a possibility that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, or in a few days, we might have something to announce,’ Rubio added. Trump stated his confidence that an agreement with Iran is imminent, with one key element being the opening of the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian tolls. According to CNN and Axios on Sunday, 24 May 2026, Trump said the Iran deal is mostly negotiated, with the draft awaiting finalisation by the US, Iran, and other countries. ‘A deal has been mostly negotiated and is awaiting finalisation between the US, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and various other countries,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump said he has communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Jordan’s King Abdullah regarding the deal, stating it would be announced soon. ‘Alongside many other elements of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,’ Trump wrote. Axios reported several key points of the deal. US officials said the nearly finalised agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to sell oil freely, and negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear programme. The deal aims to prevent further escalation of the conflict and ease global oil supply pressures, though it remains unclear if it would lead to a lasting peace agreement. Trump and mediators have indicated the deal could be announced today, though it is not yet final and could still collapse. US officials provided a detailed outline of the draft, which has largely been verified by other sources close to the talks. The details have not been confirmed by Iran, though Tehran has also indicated the deal is nearly complete. Both sides are reportedly set to sign a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), extendable by mutual consent. During the 60-day period, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened without tolls, and Iran will agree to clear mines laid in the strait to allow free passage for ships. In return, the US will lift blockades on Iranian ports and issue sanctions exemptions to allow Iran to sell oil freely. US officials acknowledged this would benefit Iran’s economy but said it would also provide significant relief to global oil markets. US officials stated that the quicker Iran clears mines and resumes shipping, the faster the blockade will be lifted. They said Trump’s key principle in the deal is ‘performance-based relief’. Iran seeks immediate release of frozen assets and permanent sanctions removal, but the US says this will only happen after tangible concessions are made. Nuclear issues will be negotiated further. According to two sources familiar with the matter, Iran has given verbal commitments to the US via mediators on the scope of concessions it is willing to make regarding uranium enrichment suspension and nuclear material handover. The US agrees to negotiate sanctions relief and asset release during the 60-day period, though these measures would only be implemented as part of a final agreement. US forces recently mobilised in the region will remain for the 60-day period and only be withdrawn if a final agreement is reached. The draft also reportedly clarifies the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.