US President Donald Trump stated on May 23 that he has instructed his negotiators not to rush the process of reaching a deal regarding the Middle East, despite indications of progress from both the US and Iran. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, while mediators work towards a settlement. The conflict began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes in the region.
Trump emphasized that the blockade on Iran would remain until a formal agreement is reached. He noted that while a deal has been largely negotiated, key issues, including the status of frozen Iranian assets, remain unresolved. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that regional support for an agreement exists, but he cautioned that a nuclear deal could not be finalized quickly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that any agreement must eliminate the nuclear threat from Iran. Iranian officials confirmed the existence of a draft agreement but indicated that discussions on Iran's nuclear program would be deferred for 60 days after any deal is made. Additionally, sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sectors may be temporarily lifted during negotiations.
Leaders from several Middle Eastern countries participated in a call with Trump to discuss the deal, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope for further negotiations soon. Meanwhile, Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire.
Rubio criticized Hezbollah's actions, asserting that they threaten to destabilize Lebanon further, in response to comments from Hezbollah's leader advocating for government protests due to US sanctions and Israeli strikes.