By Joe Ekel
U.S. President Donald Trump has
said he will soon take a final decision on whether to approve a new proposal
aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire with Iran, as negotiations between both
sides continue to show deep divisions over key security and economic demands.
The proposal under
consideration would stretch an existing early-April truce by another 60 days.
The idea is to give diplomats more time to work towards what officials describe
as a more permanent settlement to end the long-running conflict between the
United States and Iran.
Speaking earlier on Friday,
Trump said he would hold a high-level meeting inside a secure room at the White
House to study the details and make what he called a “final determination” on
the matter. The meeting, held in the White House Situation Room, reportedly
lasted about two hours. However, officials did not confirm whether a final
decision had been reached by the end of it.
A White House official stressed
that any agreement would have to meet strict conditions set by the President.
He said Trump would only accept a deal that protects American interests, adding
that Iran must never be allowed to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon under any
circumstances.
At the centre of the
disagreement are two major issues that continue to block progress. One is
Iran’s nuclear programme, and the other is the future of shipping access
through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil
transit routes.
Trump insisted that Iran must
fully give up any capacity to build nuclear weapons. He also demanded that the
Strait of Hormuz be kept open without restrictions, tolls, or limits on
international shipping in either direction. He said any nuclear materials
linked to weapons development would be located and removed by the United States
if necessary.
“Iran must agree that they will
never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump said. He added that free movement
through the strategic waterway must be guaranteed immediately to ensure global
trade is not disrupted.
Despite his comments, Iranian
officials appeared to signal that talks were still ongoing but far from
complete. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that while an agreement might be
close, it had not yet received final approval.
Iranian state-linked Fars news
agency dismissed Trump’s remarks, describing them as an attempt to create the
impression of progress where none had been formally agreed. The agency also
said that key parts of the discussion being presented by Washington did not
reflect Iran’s position.
According to the Iranian
source, nuclear issues are not part of the current draft agreement. Iran’s
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, also stated that control and
management of the Strait of Hormuz must remain a matter for Iran and Oman,
rather than outside powers.
Fars further reported that any
reopening of shipping routes would depend on the United States lifting
restrictions on Iranian vessels. It also suggested that around $12 billion in
frozen Iranian assets could be released as part of a wider arrangement under
discussion.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott
Bessent said that any easing of restrictions or removal of blockades would only
happen gradually, and only if Iran fully complies with agreed conditions.
Trump, on the other hand,
rejected the idea that money would be exchanged immediately, saying no funds
would move “until further notice.” His comments were widely interpreted as a
response to Iranian demands for compensation, shipping tolls, and the release
of blocked assets.
Markets reacted quickly to the
uncertainty. Oil prices slipped while global stock markets saw a mild rise, as
investors responded cautiously to the possibility of a breakthrough in talks.
The political pressure
surrounding the negotiations is also growing. Trump is facing increasing domestic
concern over energy prices, particularly gasoline costs, which remain sensitive
ahead of upcoming congressional elections. Analysts say voters are increasingly
frustrated with rising living costs.
At the same time, Trump also
risks criticism from hardline supporters within his own political base, who are
strongly opposed to any concessions to Iran.
The broader conflict, which
escalated after military action involving the United States and Israel earlier
this year, has already caused significant loss of life and deep economic
disruption. It has also affected global energy supplies, particularly due to
tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil shipments
worldwide.
In a post on his social media
platform Truth Social, Trump struck a more optimistic tone, suggesting that
naval mines could be cleared from the waterway and that blocked ships might
soon return to normal operations. He ended the message with a personal note,
telling affected families: “Say hello to your wives, husbands, parents, and
families from me, your favourite President
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