President Donald Trump convened a meeting with his advisors at the White House Situation Room. The focus was on a potential decision to advance a deal extending the Iran ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite discussions, no decision emerged.
Before the meeting, Trump indicated a desire to make a ‘final determination.’ An administration official mentioned the two-hour session with national security aides concluded without a decision. This official, not authorized to speak publicly, noted Trump would approve a deal only if it meets his ‘redlines,’ including curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump acknowledged the high-level discussions after reports emerged about a tentative US-Iran agreement. The deal’s proposal included a 60-day extension of the ceasefire to continue talks on Iran’s debated nuclear program.
Trump stated on social media that Iran must agree not to possess nuclear weapons. Additionally, he insisted the strait be available for international use with all sea mines removed.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s primary negotiator, expressed distrust in guarantees or words, trusting only actions. He emphasized that without action from others, Iran would not proceed.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed the deal isn’t finalized. Vice President JD Vance suggested negotiators are seeking general terms on Iran’s nuclear strategy, with details to be addressed in future talks.
Baghaei added that Iran is currently focused on ending the war. Simultaneously, Iran demands a truce between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, as tensions remain, and seeks the release of frozen funds.
Ebrahim Azizi, leading the national security committee in Iran’s parliament, shared Iran’s terms – transactions must be equitable. The IAEA reported Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade but claimed peaceful by Iran, not relinquished yet.
Trump reasserted the demand for uranium stockpile removal as part of a deal, declaring they would destroy it in coordination with Iran and the IAEA.
The proposed memorandum suggests Iran cannot impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and must clear mines from it within 30 days. This information came from a US official who declined public attribution.
US sanctions could ease gradually, permitting more Iranian oil sales. Baghaei stated Iran and Oman would manage the strait, considering their interests alongside international priorities, after phone discussions between their foreign ministers.
Previously, Trump warned Oman against agreeing with Iran for shared strait control, threatening actions if ignored.
Iran has effectively closed the strait after a US-Israel surprise attack. Before this, it was open to significant international traffic, essential for global oil and gas supplies.
The strait’s closure has spiked global fuel costs, affecting markets beyond the Middle East. Though Iran allows some commercial ships through, it’s limited compared to pre-war levels. Iran also imposed tolls, recently spurring new US sanctions.
Despite ceasefire violations during the past seven weeks, full-scale hostilities haven’t resumed, and talks continue.
Contributions to this report include Jennifer Peltz and Farnoush Amiri from New York, and Matthew Lee from Washington.