President Donald Trump said Saturday he expects to decide within 24 hours whether to accept Iran’s latest diplomatic offer or resume military operations, calling the outcome a “solid 50/50” prospect.
The president plans to meet with senior advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, to review a new proposal that emerged from negotiations mediated by Pakistani officials in Tehran.
Regional Leaders Consulted on Next Steps
Trump is scheduled to hold a conference call with leaders from Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey and other Gulf nations to discuss the situation, according to sources familiar with the planning. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his staff are also in contact with the White House regarding the potential agreement.
Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir departed Tehran on Saturday following meetings with Iranian officials aimed at finalizing terms. Pakistan’s government said the talks produced “encouraging progress toward a final understanding,” though no deal has been completed.
Nuclear Program Remains Central Issue
The president emphasized he would only accept an agreement addressing uranium enrichment and Iran’s existing nuclear stockpile. Those technical details are unlikely to be resolved in the memorandum of understanding currently under discussion, which would primarily end active hostilities and establish a framework for subsequent negotiations lasting 30 to 60 days.
Iran’s foreign ministry said the two countries are in final discussions on a memorandum that would include gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the U.S. blockade, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.
Competing Voices on Military Action
Senator Lindsey Graham said some regional leaders have urged Trump to launch strikes weakening Iran’s government before negotiating, while others—including some presidential advisers—have recommended accepting the current proposal. Graham expressed skepticism about claims that Iran cannot be prevented from threatening shipping lanes or that Gulf oil infrastructure cannot be defended following large-scale military operations.
Israeli officials say Netanyahu is concerned about the emerging deal and has pressed the administration to conduct additional strikes rather than reach an agreement at this stage.
What Comes Next
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there has been “some progress” and indicated an announcement could come later Saturday. He stated Iran must never possess nuclear weapons, must relinquish enriched uranium, and must allow full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without imposing tolls.
Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have conducted intensive outreach over the past day, holding multiple calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Witkoff to narrow remaining differences.
The positions of both governments on nuclear enrichment levels and control of the strait remain far apart, and those issues may not be fully resolved even if leaders sign a preliminary peace memorandum.