Trump Seeks 30-Day Iran Deal to End War and Open Nuclear, Hormuz Talks
Updated
Updated · The Atlantic · May 21
Trump Seeks 30-Day Iran Deal to End War and Open Nuclear, Hormuz Talks
13 articles · Updated · The Atlantic · May 21
A proposed U.S.-Iran letter of intent would formally end the war and start 30 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to Trump’s reported account to Benjamin Netanyahu.
The plan signals Washington does not intend to resume a full-scale campaign after 37 days of strikes, with Trump portrayed as seeking an exit while leaving open only a possible limited follow-up strike.
Iran enters the talks from a strengthened position, having reportedly demanded reparations, no limits on uranium enrichment, recognized control of the strait and an end to sanctions.
During the cease-fire, Tehran has already been pressing oil-importing countries to secure transit agreements for Hormuz, with South Korea, Turkey and Iraq among states reportedly negotiating temporary arrangements.
If the 30-day process holds, Iran’s leverage over Gulf energy flows could deepen, complicating U.S. and Israeli strategy and pushing more countries to accommodate Tehran.
With US influence waning, how will Middle Eastern nations realign their alliances between former partners and a newly empowered Iran?
Did diplomatic inexperience lead to a war that handed Iran control over the world's most critical oil route?
May 2026 US-Iran Ceasefire: Fragile Diplomacy, Nuclear Demands, and the Risk of Renewed War
Overview
As of May 2026, a fragile truce holds between the United States and Iran after hostilities paused in early April. This period has seen intense diplomatic activity, with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan playing a crucial role in facilitating discussions. Recent talks in Tehran have shown encouraging progress, with Pakistan’s chief Munir’s visit described as highly productive and meaningfully contributing to the mediation process. Despite President Trump’s heated rhetoric and threats, U.S. officials now believe an agreement is more likely than a return to conflict, highlighting a cautious optimism amid ongoing challenges.