Trump: No rush on Iran deal
CAIRO—The United States is close to reaching a deal with Iran that would end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, regional officials told The Associated Press (AP) on Sunday, though US President Donald Trump said he told representatives “not to rush into a deal.”
Trump said negotiations were “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner,” and the relationship with Iran was becoming “much more professional and productive.” He pushed back against criticism by some fellow Republicans seeking a tougher approach.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran could materialize on Monday, as President Donald Trump tempered expectations.
The United States and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the United States has blockaded Iran’s ports.
“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn’t read too much into it,” Rubio said in New Delhi, referring to the potential agreement.
“We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open,” he told reporters in the Indian capital, where he has been on an official visit.
Blockade ‘in force’
Rubio’s remarks come after Trump said Sunday that he had told his negotiators not to “rush” the deal, while both Washington and Tehran signaled progress towards an agreement.
“I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” a Truth Social posted to the US president’s official account said on Sunday.
