U.S. President Donald Trump has said that there is “some positive news” regarding Iran, raising hopes for peace talks that could help end the conflict in the Middle East.
However, he warned that if no agreement is reached by Wednesday, the current ceasefire may not be extended.
Just hours earlier, Iran had temporarily opened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping. The move came after separate U.S.-backed ceasefire agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
Still, conflicting statements from both sides have created uncertainty over how quickly vessel traffic through this crucial global oil route will return to normal.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump did not provide details about what the “good news” actually was.
Uncertainty over direct talks by the weekend
“It looks like progress is being made in the Middle East, especially regarding Iran,” Trump told journalists while returning to Washington from Phoenix, Arizona.
He added, “We are in discussions at the end of the week. I hope things move forward in a positive way. A lot has already been agreed through negotiations.”
Trump emphasized, “The most important issue is that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. That is above everything else.”
However, he also struck a contrasting tone, saying that if no long-term agreement is reached by Wednesday, the ceasefire with Iran could be canceled. He also confirmed that U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports would remain in place.
Trump told Reuters that more direct talks between the United States and Iran could take place later this week. However, some diplomats say logistical challenges in organizing a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, make that uncertain.
As of early Saturday, there were no visible signs of preparations for such a meeting in Pakistan’s capital. A previous round of high-level U.S.-Iran talks held there last weekend ended without any agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir—who is playing a key mediating role—has been in Tehran since Wednesday for discussions.
A Pakistani source involved in mediation said that if a meeting takes place, it could initially produce a memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive peace agreement within 60 days.
However, mixed signals have complicated the situation. Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on social media that the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” if U.S. sanctions continue.
On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that the strait would remain open to commercial shipping during the 10-day ceasefire period.
According to shipping data, about 20 vessels—including container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers—were seen heading toward the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf on Friday evening. However, most later turned back, though the reason remains unclear. Among them were three container ships from French shipping company CMA CGM, which declined to comment.
Meanwhile, a cruise ship named “Celestial Discovery,” which had been stranded in Dubai, successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz toward Oman on Saturday morning, according to MarineTraffic data.
Iran stated that all vessels passing through the strait must now coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a requirement that was not in place before the conflict. The defense ministry also said that vessels linked to “hostile powers”—namely the United States and Israel—would still not be allowed to pass.
Shipping companies have said that clearer assurances are needed regarding risks such as naval mines before normal operations can resume.
The U.S. Navy has also warned mariners that mine risks in parts of the waterway are not fully understood and advised avoiding those areas.
Uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear program remains a major issue
It remains unclear how the United States and Iran will resolve differences over Iran’s nuclear program, which continues to be a major sticking point in peace talks.
Iran insists its nuclear program is entirely for civilian purposes and that it has the right to pursue it.
Trump told Reuters that the U.S. would remove Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on state television that the material would not be transferred elsewhere.
A senior Iranian official said Tehran hopes to reach a preliminary agreement within the next few days.
Another Iranian source told Reuters that a deal could include the unfreezing of several billion dollars in Iranian assets, although no timeline has been set.
However, speaking at a rally in Arizona the same day, Trump said, “There will be no money exchanged under any circumstances,” repeatedly referring to the deal as a “transaction.”
In last week’s talks, the U.S. proposed suspending all Iranian nuclear activities for 20 years, while Iran reportedly suggested a suspension period of three to five years.
Two Iranian sources indicated that there are signs of compromise, which could partially reduce Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Trump also said the U.S. may not act quickly, stating, “We will proceed slowly with Iran, dig with heavy equipment, and bring it to the United States.”
Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian sources say significant differences remain before a preliminary agreement can be reached. Meanwhile, senior religious leaders in Iran took a hardline stance during Friday prayers.
Cleric Ahmad Khatami said, “Our nation does not negotiate under humiliation.”
There is ‘good news’ about Iran: Deland Trump
