Trump Claims Iran is ‘Getting a Lot Closer’ to a New Agreement
The US president has reviewed a draft proposal as Iranian officials confirm progress on a 14-point framework to end the current conflict.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links and update notes are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- President Trump confirmed he has seen a draft agreement but insists any deal must 'absolutely' prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
- Iran's foreign ministry reported that positions have converged over the last week, proposing a 14-point memorandum of understanding.
- The US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues to be 'highly effective,' with zero commercial trade allowed through since April 13.
What happened
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the United States and Iran are "getting a lot closer" to reaching a deal to end their current conflict. Trump told CBS News he has reviewed a draft agreement, though he cautioned that he would only sign a deal where the U.S. gets "everything we want." This shift in tone comes just a week after the president suggested a potential truce was on "massive life support."
What's new in this update
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that positions between Washington and Tehran have been converging. Baqaei outlined a plan to finalize a 14-point memorandum of understanding within the next 30 to 60 days. However, he clarified that the specific issue of nuclear weapons would not be included in the initial framework and accused the US of making "contradictory statements."
Key details
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from India, expressed cautious optimism that news could emerge within the next few days. Rubio emphasized that any final resolution must include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian tolls and the surrender of Iran's highly enriched uranium. Meanwhile, US Central Command confirmed that its blockade has successfully diverted 100 vessels and disabled four others since mid-April, effectively halting all non-humanitarian trade at Iranian ports.
Background and context
A temporary ceasefire between the two nations began in early April, but tensions remained high following the implementation of a US naval blockade on April 13. While diplomatic channels have remained open, the mood in Washington had soured recently, with anonymous officials suggesting that the administration was preparing for fresh military strikes if negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough.
What to watch next
Diplomatic pressure is mounting as Trump is expected to hold a phone call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan on Saturday. Simultaneously, French President Emmanuel Macron is leading a European push for a negotiated solution, with the primary objective being the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Why it matters
The progress signals a potential de-escalation of a conflict that has paralyzed Iranian trade and threatened a wider regional war.
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