Donald Trump wavers optimism of peace talks with Iran - 'not rush into a deal'

Donald Trump appears to have wavered on yesterday's optimism of reaching a peaceful conclusion to the conflict, declaring he will not be hurried into finalising an agreement with Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, the US president stated: "The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side."

Mr Trump emphasised "both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes."

The American naval blockade of Iranian waters will remain in force "until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed", he confirmed.

The latest statement shifts from Saturday, when Mr Trump suggested a deal was imminent, claiming "final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly".

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his approval of the diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran.

He made clear that any settlement must restore full maritime access through the crucial waterway, stating: "We need to see an agreement that brings the conflict to an end and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation."

The Prime Minister was unequivocal on the nuclear question, declaring: "It's vital that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon."

Sir Keir pledged his government would collaborate with international partners to "seize this moment", and secure a lasting diplomatic resolution in the Middle East, while continuing efforts to shield British citizens from the conflict's effects.

The Strait of Hormuz has been largely inaccessible to commercial vessels since Iran closed it following the commencement of US-Israeli airstrikes at the end of February.

This vital shipping lane typically handles approximately a fifth of the world's oil and gas transport, and its blockade has pushed energy prices higher globally.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran could bring the conflict to a close and restore normal shipping operations, with MR Trump yesterday stating "it will be opened" under the terms of an agreement.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Donald Trump declares deal with Iran 'largely negotiated' and Strait of Hormuz 'will be opened'
• Donald Trump's daughter 'targeted for assassination by IRGC-trained terrorist'
• US ‘preparing’ fresh wave of strikes on Iran as Donald Trump skips own son’s wedding

American negotiators are seeking Iran's surrender of its enriched uranium reserves, though the precise mechanisms for achieving this may be deferred to later rounds of talks.

Tehran could receive permission to resume oil exports through the lifting of sanctions as part of any final arrangement.

Britain and France have spearheaded efforts to assemble a coalition of nations ready to offer security guarantees and conduct mine-clearing operations when fighting ends.

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon has been dispatched to the region in preparation for a potential international operation to protect shipping once a peace agreement takes effect.

Armed forces minister Al Carns recently inspected RFA Lyme Bay in Gibraltar, a vessel capable of supporting mine-hunting drones that could be deployed to the Gulf.

However, Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, cautioned against expectations of an immediate peacekeeping deployment.

Speaking on Sky News, he said: "I'm not sure that that's on the table right now."

Mr Jones stressed the priority remains reopening the strait and clearing any mines to restore confidence among commercial shipping operators.