President Donald Trump has stated that he will not hastily finalize a deal with Iran to resolve the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict, following warnings from senior Republican lawmakers about potential pitfalls. Trump emphasized that ‘time is on our side’ in a post on Truth Social, indicating a more measured approach than previously suggested.

Progress and Challenges in Negotiations

Despite earlier optimism about a near-term agreement, a senior administration official confirmed that while progress has been made, the Iran agreement will not be signed immediately. The proposed framework aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and includes a 60-day negotiation period to finalize the details.

The agreement would require Iran to relinquish enriched uranium, referred to by Trump as ‘nuclear dust,’ and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil supply. However, Iranian state media has countered these claims, stating that the strait will only reopen if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade within 30 days.

Republican Concerns and Regional Diplomacy

Republican Senators, including Roger Wicker and Ted Cruz, have expressed skepticism about the potential deal, fearing it may embolden Iran and undermine U.S. efforts in the region. Senator Lindsey Graham warned of a possible shift in the regional balance of power.

In response to critics, Trump defended the negotiations, asserting that the deal is not yet finalized and urging patience. He also engaged in diplomatic discussions with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other regional partners to garner support for the agreement.

While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured the international community of Iran’s peaceful intentions, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains fraught with challenges. The ongoing conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has resulted in significant casualties and economic costs.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.