The United States and Iran are "getting a lot closer" to an agreement ending almost three months of war, with 
Donald Trump, Tehran and mediator Pakistan all signaling progress over the weekend. Trump said he would meet Saturday with American negotiators to review Iran's latest proposal and decide by Sunday whether to strike Iran "to kingdom come," the Guardian reported, putting the odds at a "solid 50/50." Tehran has said the key issue of nuclear weapons sits outside any initial framework, the BBC reported.
What is on the table? Iran, the US and Pakistan all flagged progress in talks aimed at ending the war, per Channel News Asia's joint-readout account, with the framework so far focused on de-escalation around the Strait of Hormuz rather than nuclear concessions. Major gaps still stand in the way of dialing down the conflict, Tehran has warned, DW reported.
Why now? Three months into the war, with Iran holding the Strait and its government intact, doubts have grown over whether Trump can secure a clear geopolitical win, the Japan Times reported in a weekend analysis. PBS NewsHour's Compass Points segment took up the same question — whether it is time for the US to reassess its strategy — with talks stalled and Iran maintaining its chokehold.
Who opposes a deal? Republican senators have urged Trump away from any settlement they see as premature, with Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker pressing him to "finish the job he started" and warning of an "ill advised" deal, The Hill reported. Retired Gen. David Petraeus told The Hill the country remains in a "difficult position" and a "strategic cul-de-sac," and Iran believes it can outlast negotiation pressure.
What did the White House signal? Trump posted a graphic to Truth Social showing a US flag overlaid across Iran, captioned "United States of the Middle East?" — coming amid what one expert called "delicate diplomacy," Al Jazeera reported.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
