US President Donald Trump on Saturday signalled a potential breakthrough in the ongoing Middle East crisis, stating that negotiations for a ceasefire with Iran are “getting a lot closer.” He added that a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal has been “largely negotiated” with Iran and will open the Strait of Hormuz, with details to be unveiled soon.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Trump Social.
The announcement followed submission of a revised peace proposal by Iran, facilitated by Pakistani mediators, which aims to end active hostilities and address critical disputes regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
While optimism for a diplomatic resolution grows, the Trump administration has remained clear that, despite a breakthrough, a final agreement is not yet guaranteed but is most likely. US President Trump characterised the negotiations leading up to a lasting deal as a “solid 50/50” chance. In his statement to Axios, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States noted that he is preparing to make a definitive decision on Iran by Sunday.
I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good, Trump noted.
🚨 “An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Z49bOkkUoh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 23, 2026
A Multi-Nation Diplomatic Scramble
The diplomatic push intensified throughout the weekend among the regional actors, brokering a deal. Trump held a high-level conference call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. According to reports, the call was viewed as “very positive” by regional diplomats, with several leaders reportedly urging Trump to move forward with the proposed deal to de-escalate regional tensions and safeguard international energy chains.
Pakistan’s mediation role has been seen by the US and the Gulf allies as increasingly pivotal in these negotiations. Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, concluded a “highly productive” visit to Tehran this week. A statement from the Pakistani military confirmed that the intensive meetings with senior Iranian officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, resulted in “encouraging progress toward a final understanding.”
The Points of Contention
Central to the negotiations are the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been the site of a US-led maritime blockade, and demands regarding dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. While Reuters reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being “fine-tuned,” sources close to the Iranian negotiating team cautioned that talks could falter if the United States does not demonstrate sufficient flexibility regarding the release of blocked funds and the removal of maritime tolls.
Despite the diplomatic progress, the US military posture remains stringent. US Central Command announced on Saturday that the ongoing blockade has successfully redirected 100 commercial vessels over the past six weeks, aiming to maintain economic pressure on Tehran.
High Stakes and Mixed Reactions
The prospect of a ceasefire has drawn mixed reactions within US political circles. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Saturday that while the administration prefers a diplomatic route, the “problem will be solved one way or the other.” He emphasised that core US requirements, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensuring free navigation of the straits, remain non-negotiable.
Conversely, some voices in Washington, such as US Senator Roger Wicker, have expressed concern that a ceasefire could undermine recent military gains achieved during “Operation Epic Fury.” Senator Wicker warned that a truce might simply provide Tehran with an opportunity to regroup, arguing that any agreement must be scrutinised carefully to ensure it does not compromise long-term regional stability.
As the deadline approaches, negotiators, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are expected to present the final draft of the proposal to Trump for a terminal decision that will determine whether the Middle East finally has peace or perhaps a significant military escalation in combat operations in the week ahead.
