Trump Confident US and Iran Will Soon Reach Deal

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a deal with Iran is imminent, claiming the agreement would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, Trump refused to provide specific details about the Iran deal, stating that talks with Tehran are improving daily. “I can’t tell you before I tell them, can I?” Trump told CBS News. Trump said the deal would also address Iran’s enriched uranium in a satisfactory manner, adding, “I will only sign an agreement where we get everything we want.” Several sources reported Trump is still weighing various proposals and has not yet made a decision, consulting with advisers and foreign leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also expressed optimism that a peace deal with Iran is imminent, stating there is a chance an agreement to end the US-Iran conflict could happen soon. “There might be some news later today. Or maybe not. I hope so,” Rubio told reporters during his visit to New Delhi, India. “There is a possibility that, whether later today, tomorrow, or in a few days, we may have something to announce,” Rubio added. The conflict in Iran, initiated by the US and Israel on 28 February, has reportedly killed 3,468 people in Iran and injured over 26,500 as of 20 May, according to Al-Jazeera data. Iran has retaliated with attacks on Israel and US facilities in Gulf states, with the conflict prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global oil prices. Trump stated he is confident an agreement with Iran is imminent, with one key point being the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls. Trump said the deal with Iran is largely negotiated, with the draft awaiting finalisation between the US, Iran, and other nations. “A deal has been largely negotiated and is awaiting finalisation between the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and several other countries,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump said he has communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah regarding the deal, stating it would be announced soon. “Along with other elements of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened,” Trump wrote. Axios reported several key points of the deal, with US officials stating the nearly signed agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, free oil sales by Iran, and negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear programme. The deal aims to prevent further escalation and ease global oil supply pressures, though it remains unclear if it will lead to a lasting peace agreement. Trump and mediators indicated the deal could be announced today, though it is not yet final and could still fall through. US officials provided detailed outlines of the draft, which have been largely verified by other sources close to the talks. The details have not been confirmed by Iran, though Tehran has indicated the deal is nearly reached. Both sides are expected to sign a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), renewable by mutual agreement. During the 60-day period, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened without tolls, and Iran will remove mines to allow free passage for ships. In return, the US will lift blockades on Iranian ports and grant sanctions exemptions to allow Iran to sell oil freely, which officials acknowledged would benefit Iran’s economy and significantly aid global oil markets. US officials stated that the faster Iran clears mines and resumes shipping, the quicker the blockades will be lifted, adding that Trump’s main principle is “performance-based relief”. Iran seeks immediate release of frozen funds and permanent sanctions removal, but the US says this will only occur after tangible concessions are made, while nuclear issues will be further negotiated. According to two sources familiar with the matter, Iran has given verbal commitments to the US through mediators regarding concessions on uranium enrichment suspension and nuclear material handover. The US has agreed to negotiate sanctions relief and fund release during the 60-day period, though these measures will only be implemented as part of a final agreement.