Trump Slows Pace on Iran Talks, Urging Caution Despite Apparent Progress

President Donald Trump has directed American negotiators to avoid rushing into any agreement with Iran, even as signs of headway emerged over the weekend in efforts to end the recent Middle East conflict.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump acknowledged that talks were “constructive” but emphasized that “both sides must take their time and get it right.” This measured tone comes just a day after he suggested a deal had been “largely negotiated,” s

parking expectations of an imminent breakthrough.

Framework of the Emerging Deal

The tentative understanding under discussion would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and establish a pathway for deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. According to reports, the arrangement stops short of a comprehensive final pact, leaving contentious issues unresolved for later rounds. These include Tehran’s push for sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, alongside Washington’s demands for curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities.

U.S. officials have indicated possible Iranian willingness to eventually surrender highly enriched uranium. Iran is believed to hold around 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity — dangerously close to the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material.

Mixed Reactions in Washington

The potential agreement has exposed divisions within the Republican Party. Senator Ted Cruz warned it would be “a disastrous mistake,” while Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that a short-term ceasefire would squander gains from “Operation Epic Fury.” In contrast, Representative Mike Lawler praised the administration for forcing “the remnants of this regime into a real negotiation.”

Conflict Background

Tensions escalated dramatically after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out extensive strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated by targeting Israel and Gulf states aligned with the U.S., while shutting down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint carrying roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas. The closure triggered a sharp spike in worldwide energy prices.

A fragile ceasefire took hold in early April. Since then, the United States has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Trump has vowed to keep in place until a formal, verified agreement is secured.

Statements from Key Players

Iranian officials struck a cautious note. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the sides as being “very close and very far” at the same time. President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on state television that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and that Tehran is ready to provide assurances to the world.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported “significant” yet “not final” progress, hinting that recent developments could soon lead to a fully open strait free of restrictions. Both sides have referred to the current framework as a “memorandum of understanding” to enable further talks.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, acting as a mediator, expressed optimism that a positive outcome is “within reach.”

Trump continues to stress that Iran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, a demand Tehran has consistently denied. While momentum appears to be building, the president’s latest call for patience suggests the path to a lasting resolution remains complex and deliberate.