Trump says Iran war deal, Strait of Hormuz reopening 'largely negotiated'

President Donald Trump said May 23 that a deal with Iran to end the war, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated,” though he cautioned that final details remain under discussion and instructed negotiators not to rush toward an agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said an agreement “has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries,” adding that “final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.” He also said he had spoken with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

The next day, Trump said he had instructed U.S. representatives “not to rush into a deal,” arguing that “time is on our side.” In a lengthy Truth Social post May 24, Trump sharply criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, calling it “one of the worst deals ever made” and “a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon.” He said the current negotiations were “the exact opposite,” describing them as “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner.” 

Trump also said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain “in full force and effect” until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed, while reiterating that Iran would not be permitted to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior U.S. officials said there had been “significant progress” toward an interim agreement, including a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and for Iran to dispose of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Officials said broader nuclear issues, including enrichment limits and commitments against weapons development, would be addressed in a later phase of negotiations. 

Rubio said suggestions that Trump would agree to a deal strengthening Iran’s nuclear ambitions were “absurd,” adding that Iran would never possess a nuclear weapon while Trump remains president.

Iranian officials have acknowledged progress in the talks, according to statements carried by state-affiliated media, but said disagreements remain over sanctions relief, frozen assets, and the overall scope of the agreement. 

Trump has described the talks as constructive but has pushed back against any perception of haste, saying both sides should “take their time and get it right.” A final signing has not been announced, and officials indicated it could take additional days for approvals on the Iranian side, including by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

On May 25, Trump said Iran’s enriched uranium would either be transferred to the United States for destruction or destroyed under international supervision at an agreed location. A final signing date has not been announced, and officials said additional approvals may still be required from Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.