US-Iran Ceasefire Talks Make Progress; Trump: Agreement Basically Reached

(Washington, 24th) Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan all stated on Saturday that negotiations aimed at ending nearly three months of war have made progress, with all parties hinting that there may be further news in the coming days.

US President Trump posted on social media on Saturday (May 23), stating that the US and Iran have basically reached an agreement. The agreement includes opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier on the same day, Trump also said in a phone interview with CBS that the US and Iran are 'very close' to reaching an agreement to end the Middle East war.

According to AFP, Reuters, and Xinhua, US Secretary of State Rubio, who is visiting India, revealed to the media on Saturday that US-Iran negotiations have made some progress and that the US may make further statements on related issues in the next few days.

'Some progress has been made. Even as I speak to you right now, some work is still ongoing. Whether it's later today, tomorrow, or in the coming days, there is a possibility we will have something to say.'

'Some progress has been made. Even as I speak to you right now, some work is still ongoing. Whether it's later today, tomorrow, or in the coming days, there is a possibility we will have something to say.'
Pakistani official sources revealed that the US and Iran are close to reaching a provisional agreement aimed at ending hostilities, which will lay the foundation for more extensive and in-depth follow-up negotiations.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that after Iran's chief negotiator Kalibaf and Foreign Minister Aragchi met with Pakistani Army Chief of Staff General Munir, Tehran is working to finalize a memorandum of understanding. Iranian state media reported that during Munir's visit to Tehran, he also met with President Pezeshkian.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said disputes have shown a decreasing trend this week, but some issues still require further negotiation through mediators.

He also mentioned that there are signs of a 'trend toward reconciliation' between Iran and the US, but emphasized: 'This does not mean that we will necessarily reach agreement with the US on important issues. We need to observe the situation over the next three to four days to see where it ultimately goes.'

Reportedly, current negotiations are mainly centered around a 14-point document proposed by Iran, which Tehran sees as the main framework for discussions and also involves information exchanged between the two sides through mediation channels.

Baghaei said that while the US-imposed blockade on Iranian shipping is important, Iran's top priority is currently to remove the threat of another US attack and to end the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. He added that the details of these issues will be discussed over a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, ultimately forming an agreement.

However, the US and Iran still have obvious differences on the core issues. Rubio reiterated the Trump administration's position: 'Iran must never have nuclear weapons; the Strait must remain open and cannot have tolls; they must hand over enriched uranium.'

Regarding the nuclear issue, Baghaei said that the details will not be discussed at this stage; instead, priority will be given to issues that are 'urgent for everyone'—specifically ending wars on all fronts, including Lebanon. He added that the nuclear issue will be discussed separately at a later stage.

Kalibaf said that Iran will safeguard its 'legitimate rights' both on the battlefield and through diplomacy, but cannot trust 'an opponent completely lacking sincerity.' He stated that Iran has used the ceasefire period to rebuild its own capabilities; if the US 'foolishly restarts the war,' the consequences will be 'even more fierce and bitter' than at the beginning of the conflict.