WASHINGTON/DUBAI, May 29 – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is approaching a final decision on a proposed agreement with Iran that could extend the current ceasefire for another 60 days, while also insisting that Tehran accept key American demands, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions related to nuclear capabilities.
The potential arrangement comes amid continued diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional crisis after months of conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and regional allies. Despite signals that negotiations may be progressing, public remarks from officials on both sides suggest significant differences remain unresolved.
White House Deliberates as Key Disagreements Persist
Trump announced earlier Friday that he planned to gather with senior advisers in the White House Situation Room to make what he described as a “final determination” on the proposed extension of the truce first reached in 8 April.
According to a White House official, the meeting lasted approximately two hours. However, no immediate announcement followed regarding whether a final decision had been made. Administration officials indicated that discussions focused on the conditions attached to any future arrangement and whether the proposed framework would meet Washington’s strategic objectives.
The same White House official stated that Trump remained committed to specific non-negotiable positions and emphasized that any agreement would need to satisfy American security requirements.
The official said the president’s position remains clear that Iran cannot be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons under any circumstances and that any understanding must align with broader U.S. security interests.
Meanwhile, indications from Tehran suggest negotiations may have entered a critical stage. A senior Iranian source told Reuters News agency that progress had been made and that a broader political understanding appeared close, although final approval from leadership structures had not yet been granted.
Despite that apparent progress, Trump introduced additional demands in public remarks that appeared to go beyond the immediate ceasefire framework.
He said Iran must permanently abandon any pathway toward obtaining a nuclear bomb and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened immediately for unrestricted commercial traffic.
Trump said the strategic waterway should allow free movement of shipping in both directions without tolls or restrictions.
He also suggested that American authorities would ensure any nuclear material linked to prohibited activities would eventually be uncovered.
Iranian officials, however, signaled resistance to portions of those demands. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency characterized Trump’s statements as an effort to create what it described as a “fabricated victory” narrative.
An Iranian source familiar with negotiations reportedly said the proposed arrangement currently under discussion does not include nuclear-related provisions, suggesting a possible disconnect between private talks and public statements.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also addressed the issue during comments carried by state television, saying decisions regarding the management and operation of the Strait of Hormuz would remain a matter for Iran and neighboring Oman.
According to reports carried by Fars, Iranian authorities may consider reopening the route under specific conditions, particularly if restrictions on Iranian maritime activity are eased.
Economic Pressure and Regional Conflict Shape Negotiations
The Strait of Hormuz remains among the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, serving as a critical route for global oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the passage has historically carried consequences far beyond the Middle East, affecting energy prices and international markets.
Financial markets reacted positively to reports of potential diplomatic movement on Friday. Global oil prices moved lower while stock markets showed gains as investors interpreted developments as a possible sign of reduced geopolitical risk.
Questions remain, however, regarding the economic elements of any future understanding.
Reports from Iranian media indicated that discussions may include the possible release of approximately $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Such reports fueled speculation that financial concessions could become part of a broader agreement.
Trump appeared to challenge those reports during his own comments, stating that no money would be exchanged “until further notice.”
His statement raised uncertainty regarding whether financial issues, including frozen assets, compensation demands, or shipping-related arrangements, are actively being considered.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also addressed sanctions and restrictions, saying any removal of measures affecting Iran would likely take place gradually rather than immediately.
The broader geopolitical context continues to place pressure on all parties involved.
Trump faces domestic political challenges as rising fuel costs increasingly concern American voters ahead of midterm elections in November. Elevated gasoline prices have become a major issue for households, and pressure has grown on the administration to stabilize energy markets.
At the same time, the president faces criticism from more hawkish voices within his own political coalition who oppose concessions toward Tehran and argue that stronger pressure should remain in place.
The war that began in 28 February involving U.S. and Israeli military operations has had a severe human and economic impact across the region. Thousands of people have reportedly been killed, with casualties concentrated in Iran and Lebanon. The conflict also disrupted global markets because of concerns surrounding energy supplies and maritime security.
Trump attempted to strike an optimistic tone in a message posted on Truth Social, suggesting that maritime obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz could soon be removed.
He wrote that mines would be cleared and trapped vessels could begin returning home, adding a personal message to sailors and families affected by the crisis.
Diplomatic activity has also extended beyond Washington and Tehran.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in comments reported by the Financial Times that Kazakhstan has indicated a willingness to receive Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium if a broader agreement is finalized.
Kazakhstan already hosts an internationally supervised uranium reserve designed to guarantee fuel supplies for nuclear power generation among participating states.
Iran continues to seek broader concessions beyond immediate security concerns. Tehran has repeatedly called for sanctions relief, a reduction in U.S. military presence in the region, and measures that would also address military activity involving Israel and Lebanon.
The conflict in Lebanon remains a central issue. Israeli military operations against Hezbollah have displaced large numbers of civilians and intensified instability across the region.