Trump Returns as Munir Pushes Iran Talks

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 23, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump returned to Washington instead of spending the weekend in New Jersey, as indirect negotiations with Iran entered a decisive phase and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, held high-level talks in Tehran to push forward a possible agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The move came as the United States, Iran and mediator Pakistan all reported progress in talks aimed at ending nearly three months of conflict. According to Reuters, the proposed framework would unfold in three stages: formally ending the war, resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis and launching a broader 30-day negotiation window that could be extended.

In Tehran, Munir met senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Pakistan said the talks had produced “encouraging” progress toward a final understanding, while Iran said it was working to finalize a memorandum of understanding.

In Washington, Trump has not yet made a final decision. He said he would discuss the latest Iranian draft with his advisers and could decide on Sunday whether to accept the agreement or resume attacks on Iran. The diplomatic push also included contacts with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan.

The Associated Press reported that Trump said a deal with Iran, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, had been “largely negotiated,” though final details were still being discussed. The proposed deal does not immediately settle Iran’s nuclear file, which Tehran wants addressed in later talks, while Washington insists Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, must reopen the strait and must turn over highly enriched uranium.

The moment remains fragile because both sides are moving closer to a framework while still using the language of pressure. Iran says it will not give up what it calls its national rights and warns of a tougher response if attacks resume. Washington, meanwhile, is keeping military options on the table if diplomacy fails.