U.S. president Donald Trump called a potential deal with Iran “largely negotiated” and said it could be announced soon, raising hopes of a broader de-escalation after months of war and regional instability.
Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the world could soon “get some good news,” while reports said the emerging agreement would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Rubio’s suggestion adds detail to the more vague diplomatic announcement made overnight—somewhat overshadowed by gunfire outside the White House confirmed on Sunday, May 24th.
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, a draft framework would include guarantees that the United States and its allies would not attack Iran or allied groups, while Tehran would pledge not to launch pre-emptive strikes in return. The proposed agreement would also involve a temporary ceasefire and new negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
In response, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Trump that Israel would retain the freedom to act militarily against threats from Iran and its regional allies regardless of any deal reached by Washington. Israeli officials are said to be deeply concerned that Tehran could preserve parts of its nuclear infrastructure while receiving sanctions relief. One Israeli source said Trump had nevertheless made clear he remained committed to dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme and removing all enriched uranium before signing any final agreement.
The diplomatic push comes as violence continues across the region despite ceasefire efforts. Israel has continued daily strikes in Lebanon against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah even after a U.S.-brokered truce, arguing that it must prevent future threats near its border. Iran has repeatedly insisted that any ceasefire agreement must apply to all fronts of the regional conflict, including Lebanon, while Hezbollah has signalled its confidence that Tehran will not abandon its allies.
The talks follow months of escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian retaliation across the region, and major disruption to global energy markets. While Washington presents the negotiations as a possible path toward stability, deep disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile programme, and support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East.
