Washington, D.C., 24 May 2026
President Donald Trump declared on Monday that he will not rush into an agreement with Iran, tempering expectations for an imminent end to the war just a day after suggesting a framework deal was largely in place.
A Cautious Pivot from the White House
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, but he has instructed his representatives not to rush the deal. "The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have instructed my representatives not to rush the deal, as time is on our side," he stated, adding, "There must be no mistakes!"
The statement marked a shift in tone from Saturday, when Trump had announced that Washington and Tehran had "largely negotiated" a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the president's cautious stance, confirming that a "fairly solid offer" is on the table but that the United States is prepared to pursue other options if diplomacy fails. "We will give diplomacy every chance to succeed before we look at the alternatives," Rubio said.
Iran has not officially responded to the proposed agreement. However, semi-official news agencies in the country suggest that disagreements over "one or two" issues are jeopardizing the potential deal.
The Nuclear Sticking Point
A key sticking point remains Iran's nuclear program. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, indicated that if a deal is reached, discussions on nuclear issues with the U.S. would follow. However, NPR's Mara Liasson reported that Iran is firmly rejecting any discussions regarding its nuclear program at this stage.
Senior Iranian official Hossein Nooshabadi outlined a potential timeline, stating that a 60-day negotiation period for broader issues would commence after a 30-day initial agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz is implemented.
The diplomatic back-and-forth has had an immediate impact on global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices fell by 4.55 percent to $98.83 per barrel, while the US benchmark WTI dropped 4.73 percent to $92.03, both hitting their lowest levels since early May.
Oil Markets and the Strait of Hormuz
Analyst Saul Kavonic of MST Marquee offered a cautiously optimistic view. "Despite all remaining reservations and risks regarding the peace agreement and the Strait of Hormuz, there is now light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
The urgency of a deal is underscored by the massive disruption to maritime traffic. Before the war, an average of 125 to 140 ships passed through the strategic waterway daily. On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency, citing the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that 33 ships had passed through the strait with Iranian permission within 24 hours.
Nevertheless, the conflict's impact on shipping remains severe. Approximately 20,000 seafarers are still stranded on hundreds of ships in the Persian Gulf. Even with an immediate end to hostilities, the head of Abu Dhabi's national oil company warned last week that normal shipping traffic in the strait is unlikely to resume before 2027.
The human dimension of the crisis is also critical. Around 2 million pilgrims are currently performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia, heightening the urgency of avoiding a return to full-scale conflict to ensure their safety.
Political Pressure and Provocations
Amid the tense negotiations, Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting a US MQ-9 Reaper drone destroying two Iranian naval boats, with the word "Adios" emblazoned across the top. On Monday, he reiterated a veiled military threat, stating that without a "good agreement," negotiations would resume "in other ways."
The potential deal has drawn sharp criticism from some US lawmakers. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, called the possible agreement a "disaster" and expressed doubt that Iran would ever act in good faith. Conversely, Senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to "stick to your guns in getting a good deal with Iran," noting that a successful agreement could benefit Republicans in upcoming elections.
The Long Road to a Comprehensive Deal
The two most significant challenges—the future of Iran's missile production, a critical issue for Israel, and the conditions for its nuclear program—are expected to be negotiated over a subsequent 60-day period. The nuclear issue primarily concerns approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent, the whereabouts of which are not fully secured but are suspected to be near Isfahan.
This stands in stark contrast to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated by the Obama administration, which saw 97 percent of highly enriched material shipped out of the country to Russia and imposed an enrichment limit of 3.67 percent.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains on edge, watching for signals from Tehran and hoping that the tentative steps toward a deal can overcome the significant remaining hurdles.