Trump to decide on Iran deal by Sunday.
Regional leaders divided on diplomatic vs. military action.
Pakistani mediation led to new draft agreement.
Atlas AI
President Donald Trump said Saturday he could decide by Sunday whether to accept Iran’s latest proposal for an agreement or resume military action, after meetings with negotiators and a planned conference call with Gulf leaders.
Trump said the odds of reaching what he called a “good” deal were “50/50,” framing the choice as either a diplomatic outcome or renewed military engagement.
The White House consultations were described as involving Trump’s negotiating team and regional leaders, as the United States and Iran discuss a possible memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict and open a longer negotiating track.
Regional diplomacy and Israel’s contacts with the White House
Trump was expected to consult with leaders from Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, among others, to discuss the Iran situation. Officials familiar with the plan described the call as focused on the terms under discussion and regional risks if talks break down.
A senior Israeli official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his aides were in touch with the White House about the emerging draft. The contacts come as Israel weighs the implications of any U.S.-Iran understanding and the prospect of further escalation.
Sen. Lindsey Graham said some leaders in the region have urged Trump to strike Iran to weaken it and seek better terms, while other leaders and some of Trump’s advisers have argued for taking the deal currently on the table.
Pakistan’s mediation and what the draft could cover
The draft under review was described as emerging from mediation efforts by Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, who recently held meetings in Tehran. The document is tied to discussions between Iran and the United States that are aimed at an initial memorandum rather than a full final accord.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said talks were in the final stages on a memorandum of understanding that would address steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting U.S. blockades and releasing frozen Iranian funds. The spokesperson said a 30-60 day period of negotiations on a detailed agreement would follow.
Key issues such as uranium enrichment and the fate of Iran’s existing stockpile may not be resolved in detail under the preliminary memorandum, even as U.S. officials have signaled those points are central to any broader agreement.
Further meetings and calls were expected later Saturday, with the possibility of additional announcements depending on whether negotiators can narrow remaining gaps before Trump makes a final decision.
