Donald Trump just hit the brakes on what could be a historic Iran deal. The US President explained why he wants negotiators to slow down talks despite signals that an agreement was close.
Donald Trump tells negotiators to ‘not rush’ Iran deal
US President Donald Trump has instructed negotiators “not to rush into a deal” with Iran, BBC reports. He earlier suggested an agreement was close to completion. Trump said “constructive” talks were proceeding, but “both sides must take their time and get it right.”
The deal under discussion reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire extension and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. It also includes a plan for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump described the agreement as a “memorandum of understanding” in a Truth Social post on Saturday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was a “pretty solid thing on the table.” He noted Iran’s ability to “open up the strait” and “enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter.” Rubio added that “significant” but “not final” progress had been made in talks.
The reported deal has split Republicans in Congress over its terms. Senator Ted Cruz called it “a disastrous mistake” for the United States. Senator Roger Wicker said a 60-day ceasefire would mean “everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!” However, Representative Mike Lawler said the administration managed to “force the remnants of this regime into a negotiation, a real negotiation.”
Iranian officials gave similar signals about the progress of talks over the weekend. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two sides are both “very close and very far” from reaching an agreement. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV Iran was ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.”
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February, sparking conflict across the Middle East. Iran responded by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global oil travels. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said recent negotiations are “grounds for optimism.”
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
