As the weekend approached, the United States and Iran appeared close to a deal to end their seven-week war.
However, optimism quickly faded after President Donald Trump publicly discussed ongoing negotiations, claiming Tehran had agreed to key demands that sources say were not yet finalized.
Trump told Bloomberg Iran had agreed to an “unlimited” suspension of its nuclear program, told CBS News Tehran “agreed to everything,” and said a meeting would “probably take place over the weekend,” adding, “I think we will get a deal in the next day or two.” Iranian officials rejected many of these claims, denying preparations for further talks and raising fresh uncertainty.
Privately, some US officials admitted Trump’s public comments may have harmed negotiations, given Iran’s deep mistrust of Washington.
“The Iranians didn’t appreciate POTUS negotiating through social media and making it appear as if they had signed off on issues they hadn’t yet agreed to, and ones that aren’t popular with their people back home,” a source told CNN.
Tensions escalated further when a US destroyer seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman during the fragile ceasefire, which is nearing expiration. While Iranian officials signaled openness to continued dialogue by Monday, the path forward remains unclear.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, saying, “The United States has never been closer to a good deal with Iran, unlike the horrible deal made by the Obama Administration, thanks to President Trump’s negotiating ability. Anyone who cannot see President Trump’s tactics to play the long game are either stupid or willfully ignorant.”
Key sticking points persist. Trump demands Iran halt uranium enrichment and surrender its stockpile, while Tehran insists on sanctions relief and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Proposals have ranged from a five-year to a 20-year pause on enrichment, with a newer Iranian offer suggesting a 10-year suspension followed by limited enrichment.
The US is also considering unfreezing $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for enriched uranium. However, Trump has rejected temporary limits, pushing instead for a permanent halt.
Confusion has also surrounded the talks’ logistics. Trump gave conflicting updates about Vice President JD Vance’s role and travel plans, though officials now say negotiations are expected to begin Wednesday in Islamabad.
With the two-week ceasefire deadline approaching, Trump insisted he is not under pressure, writing, “I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly!” He has also shifted timelines for the truce’s expiration, now suggesting it ends “Wednesday evening Washington time.”
As talks remain “fluid,” Trump faces a critical decision: accept a compromise deal or risk reigniting a conflict he once said would end quickly.
