Iran Deal Omits Nuclear Vows; Trump Adds Abraham Accords Demand

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tempered expectations for a swift resolution to the nearly three-month-old Middle East conflict, stating that negotiations for a comprehensive US-Iran peace deal could "take a few days." While both sides claim progress on a 14-point memorandum of understanding following an April ceasefire, significant disagreements remain over Iran's nuclear program, the conflict in Lebanon with Iranian-backed Hezbollah, sanctions relief, and the unfreezing of assets. Iran has presented a draft initial agreement that would require ending the war on all fronts, lifting the US naval blockade, opening the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing US forces from Iran's vicinity, and restoring Iran's freedom to sell oil, though notably it contains no commitments regarding Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The proposed framework centers on Tehran guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade. A senior Trump administration official indicated that Iran had agreed "in principle" to both open the strategic waterway and dispose of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles. However, Iranian sources suggested a framework deal would focus solely on ending hostilities, establishing a 30-day period for maritime movement, and potentially offering some financial relief. If approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader, the memorandum would provide a 60-day window for negotiations on more complex matters, including the nuclear issue and sanctions relief. President Donald Trump has complicated the path to peace by demanding that Muslim-majority countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan sign the Abraham Accords with Israel as a "mandatory" condition for any Iran deal, a stipulation immediately rejected by Pakistan and complicated by Riyadh's insistence on a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for recognizing Israel. The broader context includes the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has already strained existing Abraham Accords agreements, with countries like the UAE facing pressure to withdraw. A New York Times/Siena poll indicates two-thirds of US voters believe Trump's decision to go to war with Iran was wrong, with his approval rating falling to 37 percent, underscoring the domestic political pressure driving his push for a deal before upcoming midterm elections.