Iran war day 87: Trump says US not in rush to sign deal, dashing optimism | Conflict News
Negotiations With Iran Stall Amid Disagreements
Published May 25, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his representatives not to rush into a deal with Iran, indicating that hopes for a swift resolution to ongoing tensions are diminishing. This announcement comes as a three-month conflict continues to escalate.
Trump stated on Truth Social that the American blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz will “remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.” This statement followed his earlier claim that a deal had “largely been negotiated,” which included provisions for reopening the crucial waterway.
The Iranian government has yet to respond publicly. However, the Tasnim news agency, associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that the U.S. is hampering progress on key aspects of negotiations, particularly Iran’s demand for the release of frozen assets.
The two sides remain divided over critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, the war in Lebanon involving Israel, and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, which includes the release of billions of dollars in foreign assets.
As the conflict enters its 87th day, here are the latest developments:
In Iran
- Iranian state media reported the execution of Abbas Akbari, charged in connection with anti-government protests that erupted in January.
- A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker departed the Strait of Hormuz heading for Pakistan, while a supertanker transporting Iraqi crude to China left the Gulf on Saturday after being stranded for nearly three months, according to shipping data.
War Diplomacy
- A senior official from the Trump administration told reporters that no agreement would be finalized on Sunday, citing delays in the Iranian response. The official provided insight into the ongoing negotiations, speaking anonymously.
- The official noted that Iran has indicated it would agree “in principle” to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting the naval blockade. Furthermore, there was an acknowledgment that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, supported the broad framework of the proposed deal, although specifics on the “in principle” agreement remain unclear.
In the U.S.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that the administration is aiming for a favorable agreement but cautioned against signing a subpar deal. He indicated that a “pretty solid” proposal is currently under review.
- Trump is facing significant opposition from within his party, particularly from hawkish members like Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, who are against pursuing a negotiated resolution with Iran.
Global Economy
- India Raises Fuel Prices: In response to rising global crude prices due to the conflict in Iran, state-owned fuel retailers in India have increased diesel prices by 2.71 rupees ($0.0283) per liter and petrol by 2.61 rupees. This marks the fourth price hike in May as the government seeks to recover losses.
- Nikkei Hits Historic High: Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average surpassed 65,000 for the first time, driven by increased investor enthusiasm amid optimism regarding potential peace talks to conclude the ongoing war.
In Lebanon
- An Israeli airstrike destroyed two homes in the town of Arzoun in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency. Rescue operations are underway for the injured.
- The Israeli military reported one soldier was killed and another severely injured during clashes in southern Lebanon.
- Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr noted that Israeli drones have been monitoring the Lebanese capital for the second consecutive day.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun commemorated Resistance and Liberation Day, emphasizing the ongoing national demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon through negotiations.
