Trump meeting with aides to make ‘final determination’ on moving forward with Iran deal
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-29 10:51:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Confirms High-Level Talks on Iran Ceasefire Extension
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is convening a meeting in the White House Situation Room with his advisors to make a “final determination” regarding a deal to extend the Iran ceasefire. This confirmation comes after reports indicated that U.S. and Iranian negotiators had reached a tentative agreement to prolong the ceasefire by 60 days while discussions on Iran’s nuclear program continue.
Uncertainty Surrounds Trump’s Approval
Vice President JD Vance noted that negotiations are still ongoing, with a few “language points” being debated, leaving uncertainty about whether Trump will endorse the proposal. Vance emphasized that the U.S. and Iran are working through critical issues related to Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Iran’s Position on Negotiations
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf expressed skepticism about the negotiations, stating that his country has “no trust in guarantees or words,” emphasizing that actions speak louder than promises. He asserted, “We do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles,” highlighting Iran’s stance that military preparedness is key to any agreement.
Details of the Tentative Agreement
According to a U.S. official familiar with the negotiations, the tentative agreement aims to maintain the ceasefire and initiate discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. Among the first topics to be addressed will be the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium, which is currently at a purity level of 60%, just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels.
Trump has previously stated that Iran would not receive sanctions relief in exchange for relinquishing its highly enriched uranium, reinforcing the administration’s hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Concerns Over Third-Party Involvement
While some analysts suggest that Iran might consider China or Russia as acceptable third parties to manage its enriched uranium, Trump expressed discomfort with such a plan, indicating a preference for a more cautious approach to international involvement in Iran’s nuclear program.
Implications of the Ceasefire
The proposed memorandum stipulates that Iran must not impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and must remove all mines from the waterway within 30 days. The closure of the strait has significantly impacted global oil prices, as it is a critical route for oil and gas trade.
Ongoing Sanctions and Military Operations
Despite the potential for a deal, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed additional sanctions on Iran’s military oil sales arm, continuing the Trump administration’s economic pressure campaign. Iran has insisted that any agreement must also address Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, further complicating the negotiations.
Conclusion
As the U.S. and Iran navigate these complex negotiations, Trump’s administration remains focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, the ongoing tensions and military actions in the region underscore the challenges ahead. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for both U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.