US President Donald Trump announced on social media on 24/5 that the "blockade of Iranian seaports remains in full effect until both sides sign the agreement." He added, "I have informed my representatives that there should be no rush to reach a deal as time is on our side." This statement tempered expectations following his previous remarks that a deal with Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, was "basically done and awaiting final steps."

The President's latest comments came just one day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on 24/5 that the world was anticipating good news, suggesting a deal with Tehran could be announced "in a few hours." However, Trump then lowered those expectations, clarifying on social media that the agreement was "not entirely negotiated." He emphasized, "If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper deal."

US President Donald Trump at Morristown airport in New Jersey on 22/5. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a key ally of Trump, stated on the same day that he and the US President had agreed that "any final deal with Iran must completely eliminate the nuclear threat." This aligns with Trump's repeated declarations that Iran's uranium stockpile must be removed and Tehran prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iranian officials confirmed the existence of a draft agreement with the US. However, they stressed that negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program would be postponed, to be discussed only 60 days after any agreement is signed by both parties. On 24/5, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on national television that Tehran "is ready to assure the world that we are not pursuing the development of nuclear weapons." It remains unclear whether this pledge will be formally incorporated into the final agreement text.

Iran currently possesses a stockpile of over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium, believed to be near the threshold required for nuclear weapons. Israeli officials estimate this quantity of uranium is sufficient for Iran to produce 11 nuclear bombs if further enriched.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP)