New Delhi, May 25, 2026 — By Ujwal Jalali
Amid continuing uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said Sunday that talks with Iran over its nuclear programme and a wider regional settlement are moving “in an orderly and constructive manner,” but stressed that Washington will not be hurried into a pact.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US naval blockade tied to Iran would remain “in full force and effect” until a final agreement is formally concluded and signed. He said he had instructed his representatives not to rush negotiations because “time is on our side.”
“Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!” Trump wrote, signaling that significant differences remain despite reports of progress. He also criticized the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, calling it “one of the worst deals ever made.”
The president’s remarks come as questions persist about when—and under what terms—the Strait of Hormuz might be reopened to commercial traffic. Washington’s insistence that the blockade remain in place until a signed agreement reflects caution while talks continue.
Separately, Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a source, Netanyahu said Israel would remain free to act against threats in Lebanon during the negotiations.
The administration’s stance underscores a deliberate approach to any final settlement, balancing diplomatic progress with continued military and strategic measures until a formal, signed agreement is reached.
