Iran war: Trump says US won't 'rush into' deal with Tehran
What you need to know
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US President Donald Trump says there is no rush to reach a deal with Iran
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Iran said there are still some differences that need to be settled
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Trump agreed that nuclear threat must be removed 'entirely'
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed 'progress towards an agreement'
Here is a roundup of the latest developments from the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday, May 24:
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Skip next section Frozen Iranian assets a sticking point05/24/2026May 24, 2026Frozen Iranian assets a sticking point
Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that a possible deal between the United States and Iran to end the war could still be cancelled at the last minute.
The outlet said key clauses of a possible agreement remained unresolved, including the issue of frozen Iranian assets.
Iran has long demanded the release of its frozen assets held in other countries under longstanding US sanctions.
How independent Chinese oil refiners defy US Iran sanctions
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https://p.dw.com/p/5EGLMSkip next section Netanyahu says in agreement with Trump over Iranian nuclear threat, right to self defense05/24/2026May 24, 2026Netanyahu says in agreement with Trump over Iranian nuclear threat, right to self defense
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he was in agreement with US President Donald Trump over the need to "eliminate the nuclear danger" of Iran and preserve Israel's "right to defend itself" in Lebanon.
Netanyahu's statement came amid intensified negotiations to end the war, amid US reports that a negotiated deal was close.
"President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger," Netanyahu wrote. "That means dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and removing its enriched nuclear material from its territory."
Iran has insisted on its right to maintain its nuclear program, which it categorically denies aims to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iranian media has reported that a major sticking point in the negotiations is Tehran's insistence that any deal includes all conflicts in the region, namely Lebanon, which was dragged into the war after Iranian-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel over the attacks on Iran.
Israel has since invaded the south of the country and continues to carry out attacks there despite a ceasefire agreement, saying it is targeting Hezbollah.
"President Trump also reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on every front, including Lebanon," Netanyahu wrote.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EGEjSkip next section Trump says blockade on Iran to remain until agreement is reached05/24/2026May 24, 2026Trump says blockade on Iran to remain until agreement is reached
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said negotiations with Iran were proceeding in an "orderly and constructive manner," yet reiterated that he was in no rush to reach a deal.
Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that he instructed US negotiators "not to rush into a deal," stressing that "time is on our side."
"The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!" Trump wrote.
The US president also hailed Washington's relationship with Iran, saying it was becoming "much more professional and productive."
He thanked all countries in the Middle East, saying their cooperation and support "will be further enhanced and strengthened by their joining the Nations of the historic Abraham Accords."
The accords, launched during Trump's first term in office, saw countries such as the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco recognize Israeli statehood and normalize ties with Israel.
"Who knows, perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join [the Abraham Accords], as well!" Trump wrote.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EG8cSkip next section Iran deal with US still stalled over 'one or two clauses,' Tehran media says05/24/2026May 24, 2026Iran deal with US still stalled over 'one or two clauses,' Tehran media says
A memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to end the war is still pending agreement on "one or two clauses," Iran's Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
The Iranian semi-official news agency did not clarify which points were still contentious, but it said the disagreement was due to "obstacles on the US' part."
In another report, Tasnim said that any agreement should end the war on all fronts, by which Tehran often means Israel's war with Iran ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran is also reportedly stressing that the US commit to withdrawing its forces from the region surrounding Iran.
The US has military bases in Gulf countries neighboring Iran, which have largely come under Iranian attack amid the war.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFtASkip next section EU's von der Leyen stresses importance of reopening Strait of Hormuz05/24/2026May 24, 2026EU's von der Leyen stresses importance of reopening Strait of Hormuz
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the progress toward an agreement between the US and Iran but stressed the deal must "truly de-escalate the conflict."
In a statement on X, the EU leader said any agreed upon deal must make sure:
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The Strait of Hormuz is reopened, with 'toll free full freedom of navigation'
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Iran is not allowed to develop a nuclear weapon
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Iran ends its 'destabilizing actions' in the region, directly or through proxies
"Europe will continue working with international partners to seize this moment for a lasting diplomatic solution," von der Leyen said.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFljSkip next section UK's Starmer welcomes US-Iran agreement progress05/24/2026May 24, 2026UK's Starmer welcomes US-Iran agreement progress
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday welcomed news that Washington and Tehran were making progress in their negotiations to end the war.
"We need to see an agreement that brings the conflict to an end and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation," Starmer said in a post on X, stressing that "it's vital that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon."
The British prime minister pledged that his government will continue to do everything in its capacity "to protect British people from the impact of this conflict."
"We will work with our international partners to seize this moment and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement," he added.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFgTSkip next section Rubio says announcement on Iran war possible later Sunday05/24/2026May 24, 2026Rubio says announcement on Iran war possible later Sunday
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that there could be news regarding a deal with Iran coming out later today.
"I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news," Rubio told reporters during a visit to New Delhi. "I'll leave it to the president to make further announcements."
According to Rubio, "significant, but not final" progress has been made in the Pakistan-brokered talks between Washington and Tehran.
He said the possible agreement with Iran would reopen the State of Hormuz and start a "process that can ultimately leave us where the president wants us to be, and that is a world that no longer has to fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon."
"Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and it never will have nuclear weapons, certainly not as long as Donald Trump is President of the US," he added.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFWvSkip next section Netanyahu voices concerns over potential Iran deal: report05/24/2026May 24, 2026Netanyahu voices concerns over potential Iran deal: report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced concerns to US President Donald Trump about a reported draft agreement with Iran, Israeli public outlet Kan reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.
It comes after US outlet Axios reported that a draft deal between Tehran and Washington includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which Iran would be able to sell oil freely, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, and negotiations would be held about the future of Iran's nuclear program.
According to Kan, Netanyahu raised concerns about postponing a decision on Iran's nuclear program for 60 days, during which time renewed strikes on Tehran would be off the table. The report also said that Netanyahu supports the resumption of the military operation in Iran.
Another aspect Israel is worried about is the inclusion of Lebanon in a potential ceasefire agreement, which Israel has tried to avoid due its strikes against Islamist militia Hezbollah and its army's presence in Lebanon's south.
Trump recently said Netanyahu will "do whatever I want him to do" when asked about the Israeli prime minister's response to a possible deal with Iran.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFRkSkip next section Pakistani foreign minister says 'meaningful progress' achieved in US-Iran talks 05/24/2026May 24, 2026Pakistani foreign minister says 'meaningful progress' achieved in US-Iran talks
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hailed a phone call held between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of a host of Middle Eastern countries as a "significant step" towards regional peace as the talks over ending the war with Iran continue.
"We commend President Trump's leadership and commitment to dialogue and diplomacy," Dar posted on his X account, saying the US team's "sustained engagement helped achieve meaningful progress in the ongoing negotiations."
He also thanked Iran's leadership for their "constructive engagement" in support of advancing peace efforts.
"The achievements of these negotiations offer grounds for optimism that a positive and durable outcome is within reach," Dar added.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also took part in the phone conversation with Trump and regional leaders, said Ankara was willing to provide any support needed for the implementation of a potential deal.
A statement released by Erdogan's office cited him as saying during the call that an agreement to secure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz would support stability in the region and provide relief to the global economy.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFRgSkip next section Man executed in Iran for alleged spying05/24/2026May 24, 2026Man executed in Iran for alleged spying
Iranexecuted a man for allegedly supplying the US and Israel with information duringtheir war with Tehran, the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported.
According to the report, the person — named Mojtaba Kian — provided data about Iran's defense industry.
Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions in 2025, making it one of the countries wherecapital punishment is being applied the most often, according to Amnesty International's Death Sentences and Executions 2025 report.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFQISkip next section IN DEPTH: Why is Trump blaming the Kurds?05/24/2026May 24, 2026IN DEPTH: Why is Trump blaming the Kurds?
Omid BarinDonald Trump says Kurdish forces kept US weapons meant for Iranian protesters, allegations Kurdish leaders categorically deny. Analysts say the president is scapegoating the groups to make up for his own policy failures.
Learn more about what Trump has claimed about Kurdish forces in recent months in our report.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFMhSkip next section Draft agreement includes 60-day ceasefire extension: reports05/24/2026May 24, 2026Draft agreement includes 60-day ceasefire extension: reports
A draft proposal, which is being termed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and which is close to being agreed upon by Iran and the US, includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire that was first reached in April, according to US media outlet Axios.
What points are reportedly in the draft agreement?
- During the extended truce, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened with no tolls in place
- The US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports
- The US would remove some sanctions on Iran to allow it to freely sell oil
- The deal includes commitments from Iran that it will never try to obtain nuclear weapons
- US forces mobilized to the region will remain for the 60-day extension and will only withdraw once a permanent deal is reached
- The draft MoU also calls for an end to the war between Israel and Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah
IN DEPTH: In Iran, internet access becomes a luxury for the few
Shabnam von HeinDespite the ongoing internet blockade in Iran, access to "Internet-Pro" is available to select groups for a fee. Access to information and communication is increasingly becoming a luxury.
Read more about how getting online in Iran is now only affordable to a select few in this report by DW's Shabnam von Hein.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EFMgSkip next section WATCH: The hidden toll of the US-Israeli war on Iran05/24/2026May 24, 2026WATCH: The hidden toll of the US-Israeli war on Iran
Has its war with the United States and Israel worsened the human rights situation in Iran? Amnesty International has documented a spike in executions in the country, carried out under the cover of war.
Amnesty's Iran researcher Raha Bahreini tells DW how the regime is increasingly using the death penalty to crush dissent.
She says there is a "strategy of fear and repression" behind Iran's frequent "politically motivated" executions, adding that the release of political prisoners should be a key demand in US-Iran negotiations to end the war.
Hidden executions surge in Iran during US-Israeli war
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https://p.dw.com/p/5EFKvSkip next section Pakistan's Sharif welcomes Trump call, says he hopes talks resume 'very soon'05/24/2026May 24, 2026Pakistan's Sharif welcomes Trump call, says he hopes talks resume 'very soon'
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he hopes to be able to host a new round of talks between the US and Iran "very soon."
Pakistan has been mediating between the two sides, hosting in-person talks in Islamabad in April.
But while the negotiations yielded a fragile ceasefire, talks have failed to progress further, with the US and Iran seemingly deadlocked.
"Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon," Sharif said on X.
The Pakistani prime minister said a phone call between several leaders from the Middle East and the US president had "provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region."
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