Trump Says Iran Wants Deal but Administration 'Not Satisfied' with Terms
President Trump held a Cabinet meeting on May 27 and stated that Iran wants to make a deal to end the war, but the US is not yet satisfied with the proposed terms. Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely and warned he would resume fighting if negotiations don't meet his demands, particularly around nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Cabinet Meeting on War Negotiations
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said the Iranians "want very much to make a deal," but an agreement hasn't been reached yet. "We're not satisfied with it, but that we will be. Either that or we'll have to just finish the job," Trump said.
Key Demands and Red Lines
Trump emphasized "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I'm doing that for the world." Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations are concluded "one way or the other." President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be "open to everybody" and that the US will "watch over it," adding that those terms are a part of negotiations with Iran.
White House Position on Memorandum of Understanding
The White House addressed reports on an initial memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran on Wednesday, saying that negotiations are "proceeding nicely" and that the president would only make a deal "which must ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon." White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said: "As President Trump has said, negotiations are proceeding nicely and he has made his redlines clear. President Trump will only make a good deal for the American people, which must ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
Sticking Points in Negotiations
Although the memo would allow for nuclear negotiations to take place over at least 60 days, the Trump administration still wants to see Iran agree to some big-picture commitments before signing onto the framework. Iran, meanwhile, continues to try to maximize economic incentives to be included in the initial phase of the agreement -- including pushing for the release of frozen Iranian assets. Another factor is the situation in Lebanon. Iran -- which has insisted Israel's fight against Hezbollah was part of the initial ceasefire deal -- is adamant that the memo should end the conflict there. However, the Trump administration has so far indicated it will continue to back Israel's right to defend itself from Hezbollah.