The Trump administration said Saturday it is closing in on a settlement with Iran to end the three-month conflict, with negotiators homing in on language disputes over remaining terms. A U.S. official told reporters the two sides are near agreement, though President Trump has not yet signed off on any final terms.
The signal marks the strongest indication yet that the war could soon end. But the administration has claimed proximity to deals multiple times before without sealing them, raising questions about whether this latest push will materialize into an actual agreement.
Trump spent Saturday working the phones. He called the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan to discuss the offer. According to sources on that call, several leaders pressed Trump to accept the terms. Trump also planned to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, an Israeli official confirmed.
Back in Washington, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were summoned from Ohio and West Point respectively to meet with the president about the deal.
Trump told Axios he would meet with negotiators Saturday and make a decision by Sunday on whether to accept the offer or resume military operations. He described the odds as roughly even, saying he would either reach a "good" deal or "blow them to kingdom come."
Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has been mediating between Washington and Tehran, left Iran on Saturday after meetings with Iranian officials. Pakistan reported "encouraging progress toward a final understanding," though a deal was not finalized. The new draft that Trump plans to review emerged from those Pakistan-brokered talks.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said Saturday that talks have reached the final stage of discussion on a memorandum of understanding. If signed, the accord would address reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the U.S. blockade, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. Iran said a 30 to 60 day period would follow for detailed negotiations on a comprehensive agreement.
Author James Rodriguez: "Don't buy the victory lap just yet. Trump has cried near-deal before on this conflict, and regional powers pushing him toward settlement doesn't mean he actually takes it."
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