Deal with Iran is ‘largely negotiated’ : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-23 18:00:00 — www.npr.org
Trump’s Negotiation Claims on Iran: A Closer Look at the Facts
In a recent social media post, President Trump claimed that negotiations to end the war in Iran are “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner.” He added that he instructed his negotiators “not to rush into a deal” because “time is on our side.” However, these statements come amid a backdrop of conflicting reports and ongoing tensions, particularly regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump stated would remain in full force “until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.” This assertion raises questions about the reality of the negotiations and the status of the Strait, which is crucial for global oil shipments.
Contradictory Statements and Misleading Claims
Just a day prior, Trump had declared that a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait had been “largely negotiated.” This inconsistency highlights a pattern of statements that often do not align with the realities on the ground. For instance, while Trump claims progress, Iranian officials and media have indicated significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The semi-official Fars news agency reported that Iran would continue to control access to the waterway, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion that Iran would no longer have control.
International Reactions and Concerns
On Saturday, Trump mentioned discussions with leaders from several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, about a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, stating that any agreement must involve dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites. However, an anonymous Israeli official expressed dissatisfaction with the emerging deal, suggesting it fails to address Israel’s security concerns and could embolden Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baqaei, countered Trump’s claims, stating that the Strait of Hormuz’s status is not subject to U.S. negotiations and that Iran is engaging with Oman to determine its future. This further complicates Trump’s narrative, as it suggests a lack of control over the situation by the U.S.
Political Fallout and Criticism
Trump’s handling of the negotiations has drawn criticism from within his own party. Senator Ted Cruz warned that any agreement allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons or maintain control over the Strait would be a “disastrous mistake.” This internal dissent reflects broader concerns about the implications of Trump’s foreign policy decisions.
Despite these challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, suggesting that “good news” could be on the horizon, though he acknowledged that “there is still work to do.” This mixed messaging underscores the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations and the potential impact on global oil markets, especially as Americans face rising fuel prices during the Memorial Day holiday.
Conclusion: A Complex Landscape
As negotiations continue, the discrepancies between Trump’s statements and the realities reported by Iranian officials and international observers raise significant questions about the effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy in the region. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders expressing skepticism about the potential for a lasting peace agreement. As the world watches closely, the outcomes of these negotiations will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for both regional stability and global economic conditions.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/23/g-s1-124145/trump-iran-deal-strait-of-hormuz