US President Donald Trump concluded a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room without making a final decision on a proposed agreement with Iran, highlighting the continuing challenges in efforts to end months of conflict and tensions in the Middle East.
According to reports, the two-hour meeting focused on a draft framework that could extend the current ceasefire and pave the way for a broader peace agreement. However, major disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and the handling of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
Trump stated that any agreement must ensure Iran never develops nuclear weapons. He also insisted on guarantees regarding free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of sea mines, and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. The US President indicated that a final determination would be made only after further consultations.
A major sticking point remains what US officials describe as their “red lines” on Iran’s nuclear programme. Reports indicate Washington wants Iran to permanently abandon any path to nuclear weapons and agree to the disposal of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has so far resisted several of these demands and maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Iranian officials have also denied reports suggesting that a final deal has already been reached. Tehran said negotiations are continuing and emphasised that any agreement must include meaningful sanctions relief and respect for Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the negotiations. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Trump recently declared that no country would be allowed to control the strait and insisted it must remain open for international shipping.
Diplomatic efforts have intensified in recent weeks amid concerns over the economic impact of the conflict. Rising energy prices, disruptions to shipping routes, and instability across the region have increased pressure on both sides to reach an agreement. Reports suggest a proposed 60-day extension of the current truce is among the options being considered while broader negotiations continue.
At the same time, US officials have warned that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stated that Washington is prepared to resume strikes against Iran if negotiations collapse and no acceptable agreement is reached.
The talks are also being closely watched by global markets. Optimism about a possible breakthrough has helped ease oil prices in recent days, while investors remain cautious because a failure in negotiations could trigger fresh volatility in energy markets and international trade.
For now, negotiations remain ongoing, with both Washington and Tehran signalling that discussions have not collapsed but that significant differences still need to be resolved before a comprehensive agreement can be finalised.
