Trump reverses on Iran, says ceasefire deal was 'broadly negotiated'

A major breakthrough could be imminent in efforts to end the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, US President Donald Trump has said, adding that a ceasefire understanding has been “largely negotiated”. Trump, in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, said talks were now focused on the final details of a Memorandum of Understanding that would secure peace in the region. The pact would also see the reopening of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed during the conflict, he said.

Trump said the understanding was being discussed not only with Washington and Tehran, but also with several regional countries involved in diplomatic efforts.

Before the announcement, Trump spoke with leaders and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye and Bahrain. He also held separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The talks were positive, said Trump, adding that discussions were focused around a “Memorandum of Understanding with regard to peace”. Negotiators were now working on the remaining issues before formally announcing the deal, he added.

Trump's latest comments seem to be a dramatic shift in tone. Just days before, he warned that military action against Iran could resume if talks failed. He later said more strikes were suspended after Gulf states called for restraint to stop the fighting spreading across the region.

The diplomatic push drew more attention after Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, concluded a visit to Iran on Saturday, which the Pakistan military described as “highly productive.” Islamabad said there was encouraging progress in talks related to the peace process, fuelling speculation that regional powers are trying to secure a long-term settlement before tensions flare up again.

"Talks were moving forward, Iran also said. “We are working on a 14-point framework that can be the basis for a final deal,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. "Both sides are trying to finalize the memorandum so that more negotiations can be held in the next one to two months and lead to a broader peace deal," Baqaei told Iran's state television.

But Iranian officials have been wary of dealing with the United States, especially after Washington and Israel conducted military strikes during earlier negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Tensions ratcheted up as the US and Israel launched a huge strike on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Fighting has largely been paused since early April, but tensions continue to simmer. The hotspots are the US blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Key issues still to be resolved include the future of Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran’s role in the Strait of Hormuz, the presence of US forces in the region and access to frozen Iranian funds.