Trump’s Toughened Proposal on Iran Deal

On May 30, 2026, President Trump revised the proposed framework for a deal to end the conflict in Iran. According to three officials, these changes were designed to hasten the process by pressuring Iran to accept the existing terms.

Details on the changes made to the agreement remain unclear. Trump’s concerns focused on agreements to unfreeze Iranian funds. He previously criticized President Barack Obama for similar measures in the decade-old nuclear deal. Trump expressed frustration with Iran’s slow response to U.S. proposals.

Intermediaries, including those from Pakistan, facilitated negotiations. An official noted that Trump’s revised proposal aimed to expedite the process by prompting quicker acceptance from Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The memorandum of understanding awaits the supreme leader’s approval, but reaching him is challenging. Changes could lead to further delays. Last Friday, Trump deliberated for two hours with senior aides in the Situation Room on the potential end to the war, but no decisions were finalized.

The proposed framework suggests ending the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. In exchange, Iran would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The strait was previously open for trade before the bombing campaign started on February 28.

Contentious topics, including Iran’s nuclear program, would be addressed in future discussions.

Aaron Boxerman and Farnaz Fassihi provided additional reporting. Luke Broadwater reports for The Times on the White House. Ronen Bergman, based in Tel Aviv, is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. Tyler Pager covers the White House for The Times, focusing on President Trump and his administration.