Trump to meet with US negotiators to decide on Iran’s ceasefire proposal
Iranian Ceasefire Proposal Under Scrutiny as Trump Prepares to Decide on Strikes
Trump to meet with US negotiators - President Donald Trump has convened a critical meeting with senior US negotiators to evaluate Iran’s most recent ceasefire proposal, with the decision on whether to launch fresh strikes potentially finalized by Sunday. The White House confirmed the gathering, which includes special envoy Steve Witkoff, former White House adviser Jared Kushner, and Vice President JD Vance. This session marks a pivotal moment in ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, a tension that has escalated amid strategic maneuvering and shifting alliances.
Alongside the meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been actively involved in negotiations, signaling cautious optimism about progress. During a press briefing in New Delhi on Saturday, Rubio hinted at potential updates, stating, “There may be news later today,” though he left the specifics ambiguous. The US official’s remarks underscore the fragile nature of current talks, which have seen increased activity in recent days as both sides strive to avoid further escalation.
Pakistan’s Role in Mediation
Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran. A senior security official from the country revealed to Reuters that a memorandum of understanding is being “fine tuned” to conclude the war, highlighting Islamabad’s commitment to resolving the standoff. The agreement, which reportedly outlines a path toward peace, is being shaped with input from multiple stakeholders, including leaders from Egypt and Turkey, who are expected to join the discussions.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army chief, Asim Munir, has engaged in direct talks with Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran. The discussions, which took place on Saturday, focused on the 14-point peace proposal put forth by Iran, as well as broader messages aimed at bridging the gap between the two nations. Munir’s interactions with Iranian officials reflect Pakistan’s diplomatic push to stabilize the region and ensure the ceasefire’s longevity.
Iran’s Stance and Strategic Capabilities
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has remained resolute on the issue of national rights, refusing to compromise during a meeting with the Pakistani army chief. Speaking through Iranian state media, Ghalibaf emphasized Tehran’s determination to safeguard its interests, regardless of whether negotiations succeed or the conflict resumes. “If Trump acts foolishly and the war resumes, the response against the United States will certainly be more crushing and bitter than on the first day of the war,” he warned, underscoring the potential for retaliatory measures should the US proceed with strikes.
Ghalibaf also noted that Iran has leveraged the ceasefire period to restore its military capabilities, a strategic move that has bolstered its position in the talks. This development comes as the US continues to weigh its options, with military analysts skeptical about the likelihood of a renewed aerial campaign achieving decisive results. The administration’s preparation for potential strikes, as reported by CBS News, highlights the high-stakes environment in which negotiations are taking place.
Regional Mediation and Ceasefire Framework
A renewed push for stability has seen Qatari officials join the mediation efforts, with a delegation meeting Iranian and Pakistani representatives in Tehran on Friday. The Qatar team, reportedly working to consolidate a framework for peace, has been supported by the US, as evidenced by Trump’s meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Saturday. According to Tamim’s office, the conversation centered on “regional and international efforts to stabilise the ceasefire,” emphasizing collaboration across borders.
The ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran has been in effect since early April, following a month of intense conflict. While the agreement was intended to halt hostilities and create space for negotiations, key issues like the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for about a fifth of global oil and gas supplies—remain unresolved. The strait, which has seen limited maritime traffic due to ongoing tensions, is a focal point for both sides, with Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program also under scrutiny during the talks.
Challenges in Negotiations
Despite the flurry of diplomatic activity, significant hurdles persist in reaching a lasting agreement. Iranian state TV reported that the country is in the “final stage” of finalizing a deal with the US, suggesting momentum in the negotiations. However, the progress remains uneven, with the US secretary of state expressing cautious hope for breakthroughs. “There’s been some progress done, some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done,” Rubio stated, though the exact nature of the advancements remains unclear.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, echoed this sentiment, noting that positions have narrowed in recent days. “There’s been a shift in perspective, and we are closer to achieving a durable truce,” he said, according to the IRNA news agency. Yet, the lack of tangible outcomes has raised concerns about the ceasefire’s sustainability. Mediators, including Qatari officials, reported on Saturday that they were nearing an agreement to extend the pause in hostilities by 60 days, with a framework for discussing Iran’s nuclear program under development.
As the US and Iran navigate these complex negotiations, the outcome of Trump’s meeting will be crucial. The president’s decision to either finalize a ceasefire or authorize strikes could determine the trajectory of the conflict. With the clock ticking toward Sunday, the final choice will hinge on the assessments of Witkoff, Kushner, and Vance, as well as input from Gulf allies and regional partners. The international community watches closely, aware that the next few days could set the stage for either a peaceful resolution or a renewed wave of violence.
Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz looms large. Control over this waterway has been a central issue in the conflict, with both sides vying for influence over global energy markets. The closure of the strait has disrupted supply chains and heightened fears of economic fallout, prompting calls for urgent resolution. While the ceasefire has provided a temporary reprieve, the underlying tensions persist, and the success of current talks will be tested by the next steps in the US-Iran standoff.
For Iran, the ceasefire has offered an opportunity to rebuild its military infrastructure and reassert its regional power. The parliamentary speaker, Ghalibaf, highlighted this during his recent meeting with the Pakistani army chief, stressing that the country’s “legitimate rights” must be protected. His comments align with broader Iranian narratives that frame the conflict as a struggle for sovereignty, rather than mere territorial disputes.
As the US continues to prepare for potential strikes, the balance of power in the region remains precarious. Trump’s repeated threats to “strike Iran to kingdom come” have kept the option of military action alive, even as diplomatic channels explore alternatives. The administration’s internal debate—reflected in Trump’s “solid 50/50” assessment of negotiations—reveals the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s future. Whether this will lead to a breakthrough or another round of hostilities hinges on the ability of all parties to find common ground in the coming hours.
The coming days will likely define the outcome of this critical phase in the conflict. With mediation efforts intensifying and the ceasefire facing scrutiny, the decisions made in Washington and Tehran will shape not only the immediate future but also the long-term stability of the Middle East. As the world holds its breath, the US-Iran standoff remains a focal point of global diplomacy, with the potential for either peace or renewed war resting on the results of these high-stakes discussions.