Trump Directs US Negotiators to Delay Iran Deal, Citing Imperfect Terms
Donald Trump has instructed American negotiators to delay finalising an agreement with Iran, stating 'time is on our side' and emphasising the necessity of a precise, error-free resolution.
This directive follows earlier speculation of an imminent deal, which had been fuelled by Trump's own comments on Saturday that an agreement was 'largely negotiated'. Reports indicated a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and further discussions on Iran's nuclear programme. However, Iranian state media acknowledged 'one or two' points of contention remained.
The US President reaffirmed that Washington's blockade of Iranian ports, in place since early April, would persist 'in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed'. This blockade, coupled with Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas – has significantly impacted oil prices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated 'significant' but 'not final' progress, hinting at a 'completely open strait... without tolls' if recent developments prove successful. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, a mediator, expressed optimism for a positive outcome. Meanwhile, American and Israeli forces initiated extensive strikes against Iran on 28 February, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli and US targets across the Gulf. A ceasefire enacted in April has largely held, despite sporadic exchanges of fire.
Trump reiterated the consistent Western demand that Iran 'must understand' it cannot develop a nuclear weapon, a claim Tehran continues to deny, asserting its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful applications.
