Trump Slows Iran Deal Push, Says U.S. Blockade Will Stay Until Agreement Is Signed

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump said Sunday that his administration is in “no hurry” to finalize an end-of-war agreement with Iran, signaling caution after earlier indications that Washington and Tehran were nearing a framework deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and preserve a fragile cease-fire.

“I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping would remain in place until an agreement is “reached, certified, and signed.” Reuters reported that Trump also said the talks were becoming more “professional and productive,” while emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon.

The president’s remarks came less than 24 hours after he suggested a pact with Iran was close to being finalized. According to officials familiar with the talks, the agreement in principle would require Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States ending its blockade on Iranian shipping.

Still, the most difficult questions remain unresolved. U.S. officials say Iran has accepted the principle of disposing of its enriched uranium stockpiles, but the timing, enforcement mechanism, and scope of nuclear restrictions remain under negotiation. Iran is also pressing for early sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, including oil revenues held abroad.

A senior Trump administration official said the preliminary framework could give the global economy “breathing room” by reducing immediate pressure on energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, and any prolonged disruption threatens oil shipments, jet fuel prices, and broader inflationary pressure.

Yet the possible deal is drawing sharp concern from Israel, Gulf Arab states, and Iran hawks in Washington. Critics fear that a narrow agreement focused on reopening Hormuz could ease pressure on Tehran without forcing permanent nuclear dismantlement, curbing Iran’s missile program, or securing guarantees that Gulf states will not be targeted by Iran or its regional proxies.

Sen. Ted Cruz warned that any outcome allowing Iran’s Islamist regime to access billions of dollars, enrich uranium, or maintain control over Hormuz would be a “disastrous mistake.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back, saying it was “absurd” to suggest Trump would accept a deal that strengthens Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene his security cabinet Sunday night to discuss the Iran negotiations. Israeli officials are reportedly worried that a staged diplomatic process could delay the hardest issues — especially Iran’s nuclear program — while limiting Israel’s freedom of action against Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-backed threats.

Gulf leaders, meanwhile, have urged Trump to accept a diplomatic off-ramp to prevent further attacks on regional energy infrastructure. But they also fear Iran may emerge from the crisis with a new strategic advantage if Hormuz becomes an established bargaining chip in future confrontations.

Middle Eastern mediators have said the proposed memorandum of understanding could extend the cease-fire for at least 60 days, creating a window for further talks. However, Iran’s insistence on upfront sanctions relief and frozen asset access may become a major obstacle.

For now, Trump appears to be balancing diplomacy with pressure: keeping the blockade in place, warning against a weak deal, and insisting that time is on Washington’s side.

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