The United States and Iran have moved closer to a preliminary understanding that could ease Gulf tensions, even as disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had instructed diplomats not to rush any agreement. Signs of progress emerged in indirect talks, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing some advances over the past 48 hours.
Trump stated on Truth Social that a large part of a memorandum of understanding tied to a peace deal with Tehran had already been negotiated. He emphasized that sanctions would stay fully in force until a final agreement is signed, adding that time is on the US side and there is no room for mistakes.
Rubio, speaking in New Delhi, suggested good news could be imminent on the Hormuz crisis and stressed that freedom of navigation is a priority, declaring no country can exploit maritime corridors. He reiterated US opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no decision would bypass Iran’s Supreme National Security Council or Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran’s Tasnim news agency rejected reports that Tehran had agreed to transfer enriched uranium abroad or suspend enrichment activities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump that any deal must include dismantling Iran’s enrichment facilities and removing enriched material. Several countries welcomed the encouraging signs of progress and urged both sides to reach a broader framework that preserves the ceasefire and ensures safe passage through Hormuz.
