Donald Trump has stated that he will not rush into a deal with Iran, emphasizing that both sides must take their time to avoid mistakes. The US president's comments come a day after he suggested that an agreement had been largely negotiated.
Trump's Statement on Truth Social
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side." He added that the US blockade of Iran's coast will continue until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.
Trump stressed: "Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes! Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb."
Previous Indications of a Close Deal
On Saturday, Trump had indicated that a deal was close, stating that "final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly."
UK Prime Minister's Response
Sir Keir Starmer welcomed progress towards an agreement but insisted that any deal must include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation. The strait has been effectively closed to most shipping since the US-Israeli bombing campaign began at the end of February, driving up global oil and gas prices as it normally carries around 20% of such traffic.
Starmer said: "I welcome the progress towards an agreement between the US and Iran. We need to see an agreement that brings the conflict to an end and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation. It's vital that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon." He added that the UK would work with international partners to achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement.
UK Military Preparations
The UK has already announced that Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon has been sent to the Middle East to prepare for a possible international mission to safeguard shipping in the strait if a peace deal is put in place. The UK and France have been leading efforts to assemble an international alliance for reassurance and mine clearance once hostilities cease.
Armed forces minister Al Carns visited RFA Lyme Bay in Gibraltar, a support vessel that can act as a mothership for mine-hunting drones that could be sent to the Gulf. However, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones played down the prospect of an imminent peacekeeping mission, telling Sky News: "I'm not sure that that's on the table right now."
Potential Deal Terms
A deal between Tehran and Washington could end the war and reopen the strait. The US wants Iran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, though details of how that is achieved may be pushed to further negotiations. In exchange, the US could allow Iran to sell its oil through sanctions waivers.
