Image Credentials: Image Title: Trump Says Iran Talks Advancing “Constructively” as US Maintains Naval Blockade. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with agencies
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are progressing in what he described as an “orderly and constructive manner,” while confirming that the US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports will remain in place until a final agreement is formally signed.
In a post published on Truth Social, Trump stated that he had instructed American negotiators not to rush the diplomatic process, arguing that “time is on our side” as discussions with Iran continue to intensify amid growing international attention.
“Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one,” Trump wrote, one day after announcing that an agreement between the United States and Iran had been “largely negotiated,” although key details still require final approval and implementation.
Despite the apparent diplomatic progress, Trump made clear that Washington’s military and economic pressure campaign against Tehran would continue during the negotiation phase.
“The Blockade [of Iranian ports] will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed,” the president said.
The naval measures were introduced after Iran imposed restrictions on shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors. According to US officials, American naval forces have already redirected around 100 commercial vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports as part of the ongoing pressure campaign.
Trump also sharply criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration, describing it as “one of the worst deals ever made” and accusing it of giving Iran “a direct path” toward acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.
He insisted the current negotiations were fundamentally different.
“This deal is the exact opposite,” Trump stated. “They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb.”
The president also thanked several Middle Eastern countries for supporting the diplomatic process and suggested that broader regional normalization efforts could continue expanding under the Abraham Accords framework.
“Perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join, as well,” Trump added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s optimistic tone, saying the proposed agreement could begin a process capable of permanently preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
“I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news,” Rubio said on Sunday.
Iranian officials confirmed Saturday that Tehran had submitted a 14-point proposal aimed at narrowing remaining differences with Washington and keeping peace talks alive, though both sides acknowledged that significant gaps still remain.
Trump later told Axios that the chances of reaching a final agreement currently stand at a “solid 50/50” as he prepares for further consultations with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding Tehran’s latest proposal.
The negotiations come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with concerns over maritime security, regional alliances, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program continuing to dominate international diplomacy.