U.S. and Iran Near Memorandum as Talks Continue Amid Ceasefire

Officials from the United States and Iran are reportedly close to drafting a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, following nearly two months of a fragile ceasefire and weeks of negotiations. On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated there could be developments soon, stating, “There may be news later today” regarding the talks, though he did not provide further details.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state media that the two sides are “very far from and very close to an agreement,” explaining that while positions have grown closer, they have not yet reached a full accord. Baghaei added that the current plan involves drafting a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict, with further discussions to finalize the agreement expected within 30 to 60 days.

President Donald Trump, in a phone interview with CBS News on Saturday, said the two sides are “getting a lot closer” to a deal and emphasized, “I will only sign a deal where we get everything we want.” Trump also said he believes the final agreement will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure Iran’s enriched uranium is “satisfactorily handled.”

Sources familiar with the negotiations told CBS News that the latest proposal under discussion includes a process to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the unfreezing of some Iranian assets held in foreign banks, and a continuation of negotiations. However, these elements remain part of ongoing discussions rather than confirmed terms.

Trump has maintained a firm stance, warning in a post on Truth Social earlier this week that he told U.S. military leaders to be prepared for a “full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice,” should an acceptable deal not be reached. This warning was posted publicly on Truth Social.

On Saturday, Trump spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, and Qatar to discuss the situation, according to U.S. officials familiar with the talks. Some of these leaders reportedly remain uncertain about the direction Trump might take.

Despite progress in negotiations, some U.S. lawmakers remain skeptical. Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the possibility of an extended ceasefire, calling a rumored 60-day ceasefire a “disaster” and warning it would negate the gains made by Operation Epic Fury.

The conflict, which began in late February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and cost U.S. taxpayers over $25 billion, according to Pentagon estimates. Thousands of people have been killed across the region, including more than 3,000 in Iran, according to Iranian officials. The conflict has also contributed to surging oil prices and heightened regional tensions.

Secretary Rubio noted that progress is ongoing, saying, “There’s been some progress done, some progress made, even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done.” He added that the issue “needs to be solved, as the president said, one way or another.” Meanwhile, Trump told Axios there is a “50/50” chance of making a “good” deal or resorting to military action, stating he would make a decision by Sunday on whether to resume military operations.

The negotiations remain delicate, with both sides signaling hope for a resolution while preparing for possible escalation.