President Donald Trump was leaning toward approving a pending deal with Iran as of Thursday afternoon, May 5, 2026 [1].
A negotiated agreement would end ongoing hostilities and reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially preventing a wider regional conflict.
Senior U.S. officials said the president remained inclined to sign the deal even after Thursday afternoon [1]. However, the process paused as the administration sought to ensure that Tehran would not back out of the agreement [1].
According to a senior U.S. official, Trump was close to signing the deal before he requested a final deadline of three to five days [2] to convince Tehran to commit.
Two U.S. officials said that Vice President JD Vance participated in the discussions regarding the agreement [3]. The move suggests a coordinated effort within the administration to finalize terms that would secure a lasting peace.
While some reports indicate the U.S. administration has signaled a potential resumption of war with Iran [4], senior officials said the president was leaning toward the deal before the temporary pause [1]. This contradiction reflects the high-stakes nature of the negotiations and the administration's use of pressure to secure concessions.
The deadline given to Iran serves as a final window for the Iranian government to decide on the terms of the deal [2]. The administration is prioritizing a verified commitment from Tehran to avoid the risks associated with a failed diplomatic effort.
“Trump was very close to signing the deal before he requested a final deadline of three to five days”
The use of a short-term deadline combined with a willingness to sign suggests a 'maximum pressure' diplomatic strategy. By signaling both a readiness for peace and a readiness for conflict, the Trump administration is attempting to force a definitive commitment from Tehran while maintaining leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and regional security.
