Trump: Iran talks in final stages, on 'borderline' of deal or strikes

Wednesday, May 20, 2026Developing

Politics Desk

What we know

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that negotiations with Iran were "in the final stages" and later described the talks as "right on the borderline" between a peace deal and renewed strikes, telling reporters at Joint Base Andrews that Washington could wait a few days for "100 percent good answers" but was "all ready to go" if diplomacy failed. Earlier he framed the choice as either a deal or "some things that are a little bit nasty," and at a Coast Guard Academy commencement he repeated that the United States may have to "hit them very hard" — or may not — while restating that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.

Iran's foreign ministry said Tehran had received U.S. points of view through Pakistani mediation and was examining them, as Pakistan's interior minister visited Tehran again. Wire reports said Iran's latest offer largely repeats terms Washington has rejected, including Hormuz control, sanctions relief, frozen assets, and a U.S. troop drawdown. Oil prices fell more than five percent on deal hopes even as the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed to most shipping.

What's confirmed

Reuters (via Al-Monitor/CNA/Globe and Mail): Trump — talks in "final stages"; later "borderline"; willing to wait a few days; ready to strike if answers fail (Reuters).
Al Jazeera: Trump — few more days for diplomacy; no sanctions relief until a deal is signed; Gulf leaders had urged him to hold fire (Al Jazeera).
RTÉ / Star-Advertiser (Reuters): Coast Guard Academy remarks — either finish the job or sign a document; Iran examining U.S. proposal via Pakistan (RTÉ/Reuters).
Iran FM spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei: Tehran received U.S. points of view and is examining them; suspicion over U.S. performance remains (wire/AJ).

What's still developing

Whether Pakistani mediation can close gaps on Hormuz control, uranium, and sanctions.
How long Trump will hold the pause before ordering renewed strikes.
Whether oil markets' rally holds if talks stall again.

Sources

Al-Monitor — Trump says negotiations with Iran in final stages, warns of attacks if deal fails (Reuters) link
CNA — Trump says willing to wait for a few days to get 'right answer' on Iran peace deal (Reuters) link
Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Trump says talks on the 'borderline' as Tehran examines U.S. proposal link
RTÉ — Trump says Iran peace negotiations 'in final stages' link
The Globe and Mail — U.S. willing to be patient in Iran negotiations, Trump warns of attacks if deal fails (Reuters) link