Trump orders negotiators to take time on Iran deal as naval blockade remains in place
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has directed U.S. negotiators to avoid rushing into any agreement with Iran.The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain “in full force and effect” until a final deal is achieved.
This statement came after Trump indicated on Truth Social that a memorandum to resolve the ongoing conflict had been “largely negotiated.”
Diplomatic developments
Recent signals from American and Iranian officials suggested significant progress towards a framework agreement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed progress in negotiations while stressing it was not the final outcome.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the two nations are “very far from a deal yet close to an agreement.”
The potential deal may require Iran to forgo nuclear weapons and surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, pending further negotiations.
The Associated Press reported that this process would be subject to a 60-day negotiation period.
The naval blockade has been ongoing since mid-April, following the collapse of U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan.
The U.S. Central Command reported directing over 100 vessels and allowing 26 humanitarian aid shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Over 15,000 American troops are deployed to enforce the blockade, impacting global energy supplies.
🚨 BREAKING
🇺🇸 TRUMP ON IRAN NEGOTIATIONS:
“TALKS ARE PROCEEDING ORDERLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY.”
“TIME IS ON OUR SIDE – NO RUSH TO CLOSE THE DEAL.”
“THE NAVAL BLOCKADE STAYS IN PLACE UNTIL THE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED.”
“IRAN MUST UNDERSTAND – THEY CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.… pic.twitter.com/m3WJF3Q6bt
— Qmo (@QmoCrypto) May 24, 2026
Nuclear issue unresolved
Iran has postponed discussions on nuclear terms, rejecting Trump’s demand for immediate surrender of enriched uranium.
The proposed framework would see a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz alongside the lifting of the blockade while nuclear discussions continue.
Trump stated there is a “50/50” chance of a successful deal or potential military escalation.
