Despite President Trump suggesting a deal might be signed on Sunday, a senior U.S. administration official told CNN that a formal agreement between Washington and Tehran is not expected yet, because key elements remain under negotiation. Both sides continue working to finalize a broader framework, but several substantive components are still unresolved.
U.S. officials say Iran has agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU). However, the exact process for disposing of that material and the length of any moratorium on future enrichment have not been determined. Sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets would be considered only after Tehran carries out commitments to reopen the strait and implement nuclear restrictions. The dollar value of any relief package has also not been set.
Trump has emphasized that negotiators should not rush and that ‘‘time is on our side,’’ while reiterating that the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports will remain fully in place until any agreement is reached, certified, and signed. On his Truth Social platform, he criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Obama, calling it deeply flawed, and described the current negotiations as taking a very different approach. He also said relations with Iran are becoming more professional and productive, but insisted Tehran must not be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
Earlier, Trump said an agreement had been ‘‘largely negotiated’’ and that the U.S. is coordinating with regional leaders on Gulf security and Strait of Hormuz issues. Still, U.S. officials told CNN that it remains unclear whether the current draft framework will ultimately become a final, binding agreement between the two governments.
This account is based on reporting from CNN and statements from administration officials; details remain subject to change as talks continue.
