Trump Says Iran Peace Deal Is Close, Awaiting His Final Approval Drag

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump stated on May 28, 2026, that a framework peace agreement with Iran is largely complete and awaiting his final sign-off, marking the most significant progress yet toward ending the conflict that began earlier this year.

According to multiple U.S. officials cited by Axios and other outlets, the two sides have reached a tentative memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would extend the current fragile ceasefire for 60 days while launching formal negotiations on core issues. Trump has been briefed on the draft and is reviewing the final language before giving approval.

Key Elements of the Proposed Framework

The emerging deal centers on several major provisions:

• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz: Iran would commit to clearing mines and allowing unrestricted commercial shipping through the critical waterway. In exchange, the U.S. would ease or lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
• Iran’s Nuclear Program: Tehran would agree to dispose of or transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Details on the method (destruction, removal, or down-blending) and verification mechanisms are still being finalized.
• Phased Sanctions Relief: Limited sanctions relief could begin after initial compliance milestones, with broader relief tied to verifiable nuclear limits and reduced support for regional proxies.
• Regional Security: The agreement would include commitments to de-escalate proxy conflicts, particularly in Lebanon, and potentially open pathways for expanded Abraham Accords-style normalization involving Gulf states.

Trump has described the talks as “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner” but has stressed that he will not accept a weak deal. In recent statements, he said the U.S. is “not satisfied with it yet” and warned Iran against trying to “out-wait” him. He has maintained that the naval blockade will remain fully in effect until a final, certified agreement is reached.

Indirect talks, mediated primarily by Pakistan with support from Qatar, have intensified over the past several weeks. A fragile ceasefire brokered in early April has held despite repeated tests, including recent U.S. defensive strikes on Iranian drone and missile sites near Bandar Abbas. Both sides have accused the other of bad faith, but neither has walked away from the table.

Iranian officials have pushed for immediate and comprehensive sanctions relief, while the U.S. has insisted on strong verification and limits on enrichment as non-negotiable. Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have encouraged a diplomatic resolution to avoid further oil price volatility and regional instability.

The potential deal would not be a full comprehensive agreement but a structured framework to pause hostilities and build toward a longer-term settlement. Markets reacted positively to the latest reports, with oil prices easing on hopes of restored Iranian exports and stable shipping lanes.

No final signing has occurred, and Trump has emphasized that he will take the time necessary to ensure the deal is strong. Officials on both sides continue working-level discussions as the situation remains fluid. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether a formal announcement can be made.