Trump weighs decision on Iran deal amid stalled negotiations
As of May 23, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump described the likelihood of reaching a deal with Iran as a '50-50' scenario, stating he will decide by Sunday whether to finalize an agreement or pursue military action. Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited Tehran to facilitate mediation, though Iranian officials noted that deep disagreements persist. Key points of contention include the war in Lebanon, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, and the fate of Iran’s 450 kilograms of enriched uranium. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered that the uranium stock remain in Iran, complicating U.S. demands for its removal. While Trump has signaled openness to diplomacy, reports from CBS News and Axios indicate that the U.S. government is concurrently preparing plans for potential new bombings. Iranian officials expressed cautious engagement, noting that the diplomatic process is continuing without a decisive breakthrough yet.