International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Washington, May 7, 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that a potential agreement with Iran is “very possible” as diplomatic negotiations continue between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending ongoing tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump expressed optimism about the progress of discussions, claiming that recent diplomatic engagements over the past 24 hours had been “very good” and had opened a possible pathway toward a broader understanding. According to him, the central objective of the talks is to secure a framework that could bring an end to hostilities, provided Iran agrees to the proposed conditions set by the United States.

The U.S. President also issued a stark warning, stating that if negotiations collapse, military action could resume and any renewed strikes would be significantly more intense. He further indicated that restrictions, including naval pressure in strategic waterways, would remain in place unless Iran agrees to the terms being negotiated.

One of the key points of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Trump suggested that if Iran accepts the U.S. proposal, naval restrictions and associated pressure measures could be lifted from Iranian ports and surrounding maritime zones. He also claimed that the proposed framework would effectively conclude what he described as a broader military campaign in the region, referred to in U.S. discussions as “Operation Epic Fury.”

Despite Trump’s optimistic tone, Iranian officials have not confirmed any agreement. Speaking to local media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Washington’s proposals are still under review and that Tehran will finalize its position only after internal consultations. He added that Iran remains in communication through intermediaries and will convey its stance once deliberations are complete.

Further complicating the diplomatic picture, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, accused the United States of applying military and economic pressure with the intention of forcing Tehran into surrender. He claimed that continued naval restrictions and financial sanctions are part of a broader strategy to weaken Iran’s negotiating position.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that both sides appear to be moving closer to a diplomatic resolution, stating that efforts are now in an advanced stage and that dialogue remains the preferred path for ending the conflict. He emphasized the importance of continued mediation and restraint to prevent further escalation in the region.

Uncertainty remains over whether the tentative optimism expressed by Washington will translate into a formal agreement. While the United States signals progress, Iran’s cautious stance suggests that a final deal is still dependent on further diplomatic engagement and resolution of key strategic disagreements.