US-Iran War: Trump Says ‘No Rush’ as Details Emerge of Potential Deal

Regional officials have informed The Associated Press that the United States is on the verge of a deal with Iran that could end the ongoing war, reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, and lead Iran to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

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not to rush into a deal

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the country's negotiating representatives to "not rush into a deal." Trump characterized the negotiations as "proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner," noting an improvement in the relationship with Iran towards a more "professional and productive" dynamic. He has also pushed back against criticism from some fellow Republicans who advocate for a more stringent approach.

The agreement was not expected to be signed on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke anonymously. The two sides have appeared close to an accord in recent weeks, only for talks to falter. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly alleviate a worldwide energy crisis that began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli bombardments of Iran, which prompted Tehran to effectively close the waterway. Oil and gas prices have surged as a result, and experts estimate that recovery for shipping and prices could take several weeks to months after the strait is reopened.

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proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner

The U.S. has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports for over a month, a measure Trump stated will "remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed." One official with direct knowledge of the talks indicated that the specifics of how Iran would surrender its uranium would be subject to further discussions over a 60-day period. Some uranium might be diluted, while the remainder could be transferred to a third country, with Russia having offered to accept it. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity, a level technically close to the 90 percent required for weapons-grade material.

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will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed

Iran has not publicly committed to abandoning its uranium enrichment program, a key demand from Trump. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on state television that Iran was prepared "to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon." While Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it also asserts its right to nuclear technology. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to India, commented that "significant progress, although not final progress, has been made" in the negotiations, suggesting the world would no longer need to fear Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Rubio outlined the next steps as the full reopening of the strait, followed by serious negotiations on Iran's pledge against nuclear weapons, long-term enrichment restrictions, and the disposition of its highly enriched uranium.

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to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon