By Emmanuel Bobby

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he will not rush into a potential agreement aimed at ending the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, signaling a more cautious approach after several senior Republican lawmakers warned that any premature deal could become a serious strategic mistake.

In a post shared on his social media platform, Trump appeared to slow expectations that an agreement was imminent, despite earlier statements from officials suggesting negotiations were nearing completion.

“Time is on our side,” Trump wrote, emphasizing patience as discussions continue.

He added that there was no room for error in negotiations, saying, “There can be no mistakes,” while also striking a notably diplomatic tone regarding relations with Iran.

“Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one,” Trump wrote.

The comments marked a shift in messaging after several days of optimism from administration officials and regional allies that suggested a breakthrough could happen quickly.

White House Says Progress Has Been Made, But No Agreement Yet

A senior administration official later said that while negotiations have advanced, no final agreement was expected Sunday.

“The Iran agreement will not be signed today, but there has been progress on a deal,” the official said.

The exact details of any agreement remain unclear, and neither the White House nor allied governments have publicly outlined final terms or a timeline for implementation.

Only a day earlier, Trump appeared more optimistic, saying on social media that a deal had “been largely negotiated, subject to finalization.”

The evolving public messaging reflects both diplomatic uncertainty and rising political pressure surrounding the negotiations.

Rubio Hints at Diplomatic Momentum

Marco Rubio also suggested momentum was building during remarks to reporters while traveling in India.

Rubio said negotiations had moved forward in recent days through discussions involving Gulf-region partners.

“There has been some progress over the last 48 hours working with our partners in the Gulf region,” Rubio said.

“Perhaps there is the possibility that over the next few hours the world will get some good news.”

Regional diplomacy has played an increasingly central role in efforts to cool tensions after months of military confrontation, disrupted oil markets, and fears of broader regional escalation.

Iranian Media Reports Possible Sanctions Relief and Shipping Recovery

State-linked media outlets in Iran reported Sunday that a possible agreement could include major economic concessions.

According to reports, discussions may involve lifting oil sanctions imposed on Tehran and ending restrictions affecting Iranian ports and shipping activity.

Iranian media also suggested commercial movement through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could return to pre-war levels within roughly 30 days.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Disruptions there during the conflict contributed to major spikes in fuel prices worldwide.

Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that a proposed framework under discussion could establish a 60-day negotiation period to address disputes surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran Says It Does Not Seek Nuclear Weapons

Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that Iran was prepared to reassure the international community that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

According to Iranian state media, Pezeshkian stressed that Tehran seeks regional stability but would not compromise on national sovereignty or dignity.

“We are not seeking unrest in the region,” he said.

“Under no circumstances will we or the negotiating team compromise on the country’s dignity and pride.”

The comments appear designed to reassure negotiators while also signaling strength to domestic audiences in Iran.

Republican Lawmakers Warn Against a “Disastrous Mistake”

Despite signs of diplomatic progress, several prominent Republicans publicly criticized reports of a potential ceasefire arrangement or temporary agreement with Tehran.

Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that any ceasefire based on trust in Iran could undermine military gains made during the conflict.

“The rumored 60-day ceasefire — with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith — would be a disaster,” Wicker wrote.

“Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught.”

Ted Cruz also voiced skepticism, saying he was deeply concerned by reports emerging from negotiations.

Cruz warned that allowing Iran to emerge stronger from the conflict would represent a serious geopolitical mistake.

Leaving an emboldened Iranian regime intact, he said, would be “a disastrous mistake.”

Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham questioned whether a deal would fundamentally shift power balances across the Middle East.

“It makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate,” Graham said.

The criticism underscores divisions within Trump’s political coalition, particularly among Republicans who favor sustained military pressure on Iran rather than negotiated compromise.

Trump Fires Back at Critics

Later Sunday, Trump responded sharply to conservative critics, arguing that many were attacking a proposal that had not even been finalized.

“Nobody has seen it, or knows what it is,” Trump wrote.

“It isn’t even fully negotiated yet. So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about.”

Trump insisted that he would avoid repeating what he described as the failures of past administrations.

“Unlike those before me who should have solved this problem many years ago, I don’t make bad deals!” he wrote.

Regional Leaders Join High-Level Talks

Diplomatic efforts intensified Saturday when Trump held a call with leaders from several key regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Two diplomats familiar with the discussions described the talks as constructive and said progress was being made.

Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly also participated.

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, praised Trump’s commitment to diplomacy after the call.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara stood ready to assist during implementation of any agreement reached with Iran.

Trump Also Speaks With Netanyahu

Trump separately held discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the negotiations.

According to Trump, the call “went very well.”

Still, Trump appeared to keep military options on the table.

In an interview Saturday, he said there remained only a “50/50” chance of achieving a successful agreement and warned that failure could result in overwhelming military consequences for Iran.

The president had earlier disclosed that he halted a planned military strike after U.S. regional allies urged patience while diplomacy advanced.

High Stakes After Months of Conflict

The war began in late February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets and has since escalated into one of the region’s most destabilizing crises in years.

The conflict disrupted energy markets, fueled inflationary pressures through surging oil prices, and triggered repeated fears of a broader Middle East war.

According to Pentagon estimates provided to lawmakers, the fighting has resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and cost American taxpayers more than $25 billion.

Thousands of people across the region have reportedly died, including more than 3,000 people inside Iran.

With negotiations continuing and political divisions deepening in Washington, the next several days could determine whether the conflict moves toward diplomacy or risks sliding back toward escalation.