‘Deep suspicion’ of US lingers as Iran ponders agreement to end war

US media reports suggest a potential deal with Iran could be finalized on Monday, involving a 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, however, is not a final settlement and defers complex issues like sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear ambitions to later negotiations. Communication difficulties with Iran's supreme leader, reportedly injured in an earlier strike, have slowed talks. The reported deal has divided Republicans, with some criticizing it as too lenient. President Trump, however, stated he would not listen to critics and would make a "good and proper" deal, reiterating that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sent oil prices soaring.

Despite US bombings of Iranian targets, Iran remains engaged in peace talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attacks, which targeted missile launchers and mine-laying efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, as a violation of the ceasefire but announced no specific reprisals. The US action killed four Iranian soldiers. Negotiations are focused on unlocking over $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and securing sanctions relief for Iran's oil exports. A separate agreement aims to lift the blockade of Iranian oil ports and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Hardliners in both countries are pressuring negotiators, but Iran's chief negotiator is reportedly focused on the frozen assets as the last major dispute.

US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran, aimed at ending months of war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is largely negotiated. The proposed memorandum of understanding involves multiple regional countries and would formally end the US-Israel war on Iran. While Trump expressed optimism, Iranian officials confirmed ongoing negotiations but highlighted significant disagreements, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and regional conflicts. Iran's priority is ending the war and halting US attacks. The draft agreement reportedly includes Iran's commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons and potentially surrendering enriched uranium, with details to be negotiated later.

Iranian officials expressed deep suspicion of the United States following recent US strikes, which they claim violated a shaky ceasefire and validated their resolve to stand firm on demands. The strikes occurred as Iran and the US were attempting to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding to end a nearly three-month war, potentially facilitating Strait of Hormuz transit and unfreezing Iranian funds. Iranian military officials stated they shot down a US drone in response to the attacks. Despite ongoing negotiations, hardline factions within Iran emphasized distrust of the US and the potential for such agreements to be merely an operational pause before further conflict. Iranian leadership aims to frame any deal as managed stabilization rather than capitulation, seeking meaningful sanctions relief and preserving core sovereign red lines.

The US conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying vessels, which US Central Command described as defensive actions to test a seven-week ceasefire. These strikes occurred as Iranian negotiators traveled to Qatar for talks, reportedly focusing on the release of frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While the US stressed the ceasefire was not over, Iran reported four Guard troops killed in the strikes. The negotiations aim for Iran to restore commercial shipping through the strait, with nuclear program discussions to follow. President Trump indicated a potential concession on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but warned of further attacks if a deal isn't reached.

Iran has condemned US air strikes in southern Iran as a "gross violation" of a ceasefire, occurring while Iranian and Qatari negotiators were in Doha for peace talks. The US Central Command stated these were "self-defence strikes" targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines in the Hormozgan region. Iran holds the US responsible for the consequences of these actions and vowed retaliation. Despite the strikes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a deal from the talks remains possible, though it may take several days, with a key sticking point reportedly being Iran's request for the release of frozen funds.

US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines. US Central Command stated these actions were taken to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The attacks occurred as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks aimed at ending a war. No further details about the strikes were provided by US Central Command.

US President Donald Trump announced that a Memorandum of Understanding for ceasefire talks to end the US-Israel war with Iran has been largely negotiated. The agreement, which is still subject to finalization by negotiators and other countries, reportedly includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump made this statement following calls with leaders from several Middle Eastern nations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development comes after a week of fluctuating rhetoric from Trump, who had previously threatened escalation but also indicated a deal was close. The announcement coincided with the conclusion of a visit by Pakistan's army chief to Iran, where "encouraging progress" was reported towards a final understanding.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated," potentially ending a war initiated by the US and Israel in February. The agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, is subject to finalization and will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows calls Trump made with Pakistani mediators, Gulf allies, and Israel. A Pakistani source indicated that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the US aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait. Regional officials suggest the potential deal involves a formal declaration of war's end, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Trump indicated that final aspects and details are still being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Officials report that Iran and the United States are nearing a deal to end the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Pakistan leading mediation efforts. Significant progress has been made in talks, though last-minute disputes remain a possibility. The potential agreement includes an official declaration of the war's end, followed by two months of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Key provisions also involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress, while Iran described the draft as a "framework agreement" for further discussions. Both nations have emphasized their core positions and warned against resuming hostilities.

Iran hosted a Pakistani delegation, including Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, in Tehran on Saturday amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed US strikes. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran would not compromise on its "legitimate rights" and warned of a more severe response if the US resumes hostilities. The US was reportedly considering fresh strikes, while Iran indicated it was in the "final stage" of drafting a deal framework. Pakistan has been mediating talks, focusing on a 14-point peace proposal and messages between the parties. Mediators believe they are close to extending a 60-day ceasefire and establishing a framework for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing the US flag superimposed over a map of Iran, with the caption "United States of the Middle East?". This occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, amidst ongoing "delicate diplomacy" and indications of progress in talks between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire. Experts noted the post's potential to disrupt negotiations, contrasting with previous statements from the Trump administration about not seeking occupation or outright regime change in Iran. Simultaneously, US and Iranian officials suggested a new deal was nearing finalization, with both sides indicating converging opinions on a memorandum of understanding. The article also mentions Trump's previous threats and subsequent pauses in fighting, as well as his broader foreign policy efforts to increase US influence abroad.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported "slight progress" in talks with Iran, amid ongoing uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached or war will resume. This comes after President Trump stated he was holding off on military strikes due to "serious negotiations." Rubio's comments preceded a NATO foreign ministers meeting where the alliance might discuss policing the Strait of Hormuz post-war. Despite claims of progress, a deal has not materialized, and Trump has a history of shifting deadlines and actions. Tensions have surfaced between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively involved in de-escalation efforts, with its interior minister visiting Tehran twice. Major sticking points persist, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also reportedly conducted separate attacks on Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Iran has announced an expansion of its claimed military control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map asserting "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. This expanded claim extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" stated that all transit through the strait requires its coordination and authorization. The UAE has rejected these claims, calling them "fragments of dreams" and asserting its maritime sovereignty. The US and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iran's attempts to control the strait, with the US advising ships not to comply with Iran's regulations. Iran has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees safe passage.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States via Pakistan, aiming for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This plan is reportedly a response to a prior nine-point US proposal that focused on a two-month ceasefire. Iran's latest offer emphasizes resolving all issues within 30 days, seeking guarantees for a lasting peace. President Trump is currently reviewing the proposal but has expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal, citing mistrust between the two nations. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has involved a naval war in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran imposing a de facto blockade and the US maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite a ceasefire initiated on April 8. Key US demands include Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing its nuclear capabilities.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Florida, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the proposal, which reportedly includes lifting the US naval blockade, war reparations, and asset release. However, he issued a warning that air strikes could resume if Iran "misbehaves," indicating a continued tough stance. Trump suggested Iran is seeking a settlement due to its weakened state from conflict and the blockade. The diplomatic overture follows a fragile three-week truce that began on April 7th, with Iran seeking a 30-day window to finalize terms, a timeline potentially at odds with US preferences.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump stated that he is "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal to end the ongoing war, which was conveyed through Pakistani mediators. Trump indicated that Iran is requesting terms he cannot accept, and expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal. He warned of potential military action if negotiations fail. The conflict, which began in late February, has resulted in thousands of deaths and a global energy crisis, with a ceasefire currently in its third week. International efforts are focused on achieving a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is conducting a diplomatic tour of Pakistan, Russia, and Oman to garner support for a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative defers discussions on Iran's nuclear program with the United States to a later stage. Araghchi met with Pakistani officials, including the Army Chief, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with senior intelligence officials from several countries reportedly attending talks in Muscat. Iran has submitted its proposal to Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary with the US following failed direct talks. While the White House has not confirmed the proposal's details, a spokesperson stated the US will prioritize American interests and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. US President Trump has indicated Iran knows what is required to avoid nuclear proliferation.

Iran's army spokesperson stated the country remains in a "war situation" amidst ongoing negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz a significant point of contention. Gulf leaders convened in Saudi Arabia, where Qatar urged that the vital waterway not be used as leverage and cautioned against a "frozen conflict." The article, published on April 28, 2026, by Umut Uras and Lorraine Mallinder, highlights the continued tensions and the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in the diplomatic landscape. President Trump is reportedly reviewing a peace plan, while the UN has called for the reopening of the Strait.