Trump tells US negotiators 'not to rush' into deal with Iran

Donald Trump instructed US negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran. According to US media, the deal under discussion involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. In a social media post, Trump said "constructive" talks were proceeding, but "both sides must take their time and get it right".

Trump said on Saturday an agreement had been "largely negotiated". Reports in Iranian media say there are still "one or two" points of disagreement in the potential deal. Iranian officials had similarly signalled progress in talks over the weekend, but foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that did not mean agreements would be reached on key issues. The mooted deal has split Republicans.

Senator Ted Cruz said it would be "a disastrous mistake", while Roger Wicker said a 60-day ceasefire would mean "everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!" Representative Mike Lawler said the administration has managed to "force the remnants of this regime into a negotiation, a real negotiation". The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking conflict across the Middle East. Iran responded by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. A ceasefire agreed in April meant to facilitate talks has largely been observed, despite occasional exchanges of fire.