President Donald Trump has indicated that the likelihood of reaching a deal with Iran to end hostilities stands at “50-50.” He plans to make a decision by May 24 on whether to resume military actions against Iran.
In an interview with Axios, Trump stated, “I think one of two things will happen: either I will hit them harder than ever before, or we will sign a very good deal.” He noted that a meeting is scheduled for May 23 with his negotiation team, which includes U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Additionally, Trump is set to engage with leaders from Gulf nations, as well as Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan.
The president emphasized that he would only accept a deal that addresses critical issues such as uranium enrichment and the fate of Iran’s existing military arsenals.
According to sources within diplomatic circles cited by the Associated Press, the U.S. and Iran are nearing an agreement on a memorandum of understanding aimed at ceasing hostilities. A final decision on a draft prepared by Pakistan could be reached within 48 hours, as both parties are currently reviewing it.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any agreement would require Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting President Trump to announce that U.S. forces had initiated a “major military operation” against Iran to eliminate perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure the safety of all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC stated it was commencing “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong strike” in retaliation.
By March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning that such actions would have devastating consequences for the Iranian people and provoke dangerous responses throughout the region.
On April 6, Iran presented a separate 10-point plan to the U.S. and Israel for ending hostilities through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump revealed he had agreed to delay bombings in Iran and postpone a “devastating attack” for two weeks, contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the ceasefire would be mutual and that the Iranian 10-point proposal was an acceptable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks is possible “with coordination with Iran’s armed forces and considering technical limitations.”
On May 1, the President informed Congress that hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, which began on February 28, had ceased, although U.S. military presence in the region would continue.
President Trump is weighing options for a potential deal with Iran as military operations continue. With a critical meeting approaching, both sides are reviewing a draft agreement aimed at ending hostilities and addressing nuclear concerns.