U.S. President Donald Trump said there is “no rush” to finalize a deal with Iran, signaling that negotiations remain fragile despite earlier optimism about a possible breakthrough in the three month conflict.
Trump said the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would stay in place until a formal agreement is fully negotiated, certified and signed. The comments came a day after he claimed Washington and Tehran had largely agreed on a memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening one of the world’s most important energy routes.
The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the conflict disrupted maritime trade and sent energy prices soaring worldwide.
Key Sticking Points in Iran US Talks
Despite signs of progress, several major issues continue to divide Washington and Tehran:
- Iran’s nuclear enrichment program
- The future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile
- US sanctions relief demands
- Release of frozen Iranian oil revenues
- Regional tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah
- Security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz
A senior Trump administration official said Iran had agreed “in principle” to reopen the strait and discuss the disposal of enriched uranium, though Tehran has not publicly confirmed the claims.
Trump Administration Signals Longer Negotiations
US officials indicated a final agreement is still weeks away. According to administration sources, the proposed framework could give negotiators up to 60 days to finalize details.
Trump stressed that both sides should “take their time and get it right,” suggesting the White House wants to avoid a rushed agreement that could face political backlash at home.
Iranian media, meanwhile, reported that Tehran still believes Washington is obstructing key parts of the deal, especially demands linked to frozen funds and sanctions relief.
Oil Prices Fall on Hopes of Hormuz Breakthrough
Markets reacted positively to signs that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could eventually resume.
Brent crude fell more than 4% to below $100 per barrel for the first time since early May, while US crude prices also dropped sharply as traders bet the conflict may not escalate further.
However, energy executives warned that full oil and gas flows through the strait may not return before 2027, meaning the global energy crisis could continue even if a ceasefire holds.
Critics Compare Deal to Obama Era Iran Nuclear Agreement
The emerging framework has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Washington.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several lawmakers argued the proposed deal resembles the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen said the reported terms appear close to the “pre war status quo” with Iran and questioned whether the conflict achieved meaningful strategic gains.
Trump dismissed the criticism, insisting any agreement reached under his administration would be “good and proper.”
What’s Next?
Several developments will determine whether negotiations move toward a final agreement or collapse again:
Possible Next Steps
- Further US Iran negotiations over uranium disposal
- Talks on lifting naval restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz
- Discussions over sanctions relief and frozen Iranian assets
- Monitoring of the fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel and Hezbollah
- Potential involvement of international nuclear inspectors
Risks Ahead
- Renewed military escalation in the Gulf
- Disputes over enforcement and verification
- Continued disruption to global oil markets
- Political opposition inside both the US and Iran
For now, the ceasefire remains fragile, the US blockade continues, and negotiators are still working through the most difficult parts of a possible deal.
With information from Reuters.
