Trump to hold call with regional countries about the situation with Iran
President Donald Trump will hold a call Saturday on the situation with Iran and "leaders from nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan" will join, a regional official told Fox News.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Proposed Iran deal includes oil sanctions relief, continued US military presence
Fox News has learned new details surrounding the deal taking shape between Iran and the U.S. as negotiations continue into Sunday.
For the next 30 days, U.S. forces will stay "in the proximity of Iran" in order to signal that military response will remain an option if nuclear issues aren't resolved or if Iran violates the interim agreement, per a regional source who has reviewed the deal.
In exchange, Iran will receive oil sanctions waivers and will have frozen funds and assets worth billions of dollars released.
Fox News' Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst contributed to this report.
Iran reportedly executes man accused of sending information to US, Israel
Iran reportedly executed a man accused of providing information to the United States and Israel during the ongoing conflict in the region.
The man was identified as Mojtaba Kian, according to The Times of Israel, citing Iran’s judiciary-linked Mizan news agency.
Kian was accused of sending information about Iran’s defense industry to “the enemy,” the report said.
Pakistan PM praises Trump’s Iran peace efforts
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised President Donald Trump on Saturday for his efforts to broker a deal with Iran.
“I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace and for holding a very useful and productive telephone call earlier today, with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan,” Sharif said in a statement.
Sharif said the discussions provided “a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region.”
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” he added.
The comments came as Trump administration officials signaled negotiations with Tehran may be making progress.
Trump announced earlier Saturday that the United States and Iran had “largely negotiated” an agreement involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security issues.
Speaker Mike Johnson says Trump brought Iran to negotiating table
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised President Donald Trump on Saturday after Trump announced that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional issues.
"President Trump is the ONLY one who could have gotten Iran — the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism — to the negotiating table," Johnson wrote on X.
"We are greatly encouraged to learn a PEACE DEAL in Iran is underway," he added.
Johnson said Trump’s leadership had made the United States "stronger, more respected on the global stage, and safer than ever before."
The comments came as some Republican lawmakers and former Trump administration officials voiced concerns about reports surrounding the potential agreement framework with Tehran.
Ted Cruz warns rumored Iran deal could become 'disastrous mistake'
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warned Saturday that a reported agreement framework with Iran could become a "disastrous mistake" if it allows Tehran to retain regional influence, uranium enrichment capabilities or control over the Strait of Hormuz.
"I am deeply concerned about what we are hearing about an Iran ‘deal,’ being pushed by some voices in the administration," Cruz wrote on X.
Cruz praised President Donald Trump’s earlier decision to strike Iran, calling it "the most consequential decision of his second term," and argued the United States had achieved "extraordinary military results."
But the Texas Republican warned against any agreement that would allow Iran’s regime to receive sanctions relief or rebuild capabilities after recent fighting.
"If the result of all that is to be an Iranian regime … now receiving billions of dollars, being able to enrich uranium & develop nuclear weapons, and having effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, then that outcome would be a disastrous mistake," Cruz wrote.
Cruz also pointed to reported support for the deal from former Biden administration Iran envoy Rob Malley, saying it was "not encouraging."
The comments came hours after Trump announced that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security issues.
Trump still 'working' at White House after shooting near executive mansion, Cheung says
White House communications director Steven Cheung said Saturday evening that President Donald Trump remained at work in the White House hours after a shooting near the executive mansion prompted a temporary lockdown.
"President Trump is working at 8:00 PM," Cheung wrote on X. "Can’t stop, won’t stop."
Earlier Saturday afternoon, Cheung posted that Trump had been "working hard at the White House since early this morning" amid ongoing negotiations involving Iran and regional leaders.
The latest update came after Secret Service agents responded to a gunman who opened fire near the White House around 6 p.m., according to Fox News reporting. The White House was briefly placed on lockdown before it was later lifted.
Hours earlier, Trump announced that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security issues.
Steven Cheung blasts Mike Pompeo over criticism of possible Iran deal
White House communications director Steven Cheung sharply criticized former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday after Pompeo attacked the framework of a possible agreement with Iran.
Pompeo wrote on X that the deal being discussed appeared "straight out of the Wendy Sherman-Robert Malley-Ben Rhodes playbook," arguing the United States should instead focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, denying Iran access to money and degrading Tehran’s military capabilities.
"Not remotely America First," Pompeo wrote.
Cheung responded in a quote post, accusing Pompeo of being uninformed about the ongoing negotiations.
"Mike Pompeo has no idea what the f--- he’s talking about," Cheung wrote. "He should shut his stupid mouth and leave the real work to the professionals."
"He’s not read into anything that’s happening, so how would he know," Cheung added.
The public exchange highlighted growing divisions among Republicans and former Trump administration officials over reports that the United States and Iran are nearing a broader diplomatic agreement tied to the Strait of Hormuz and regional security issues.
President Donald Trump said earlier Saturday that an agreement with Iran had been "largely negotiated," though details remain under discussion.
Iran-linked outlet rejects Trump claim on Strait of Hormuz reopening
An Iranian news outlet closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed back Saturday on President Donald Trump’s claim that a pending agreement with Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Fars News, a semi-state outlet affiliated with Iran’s IRGC, reported that the strategically vital waterway would remain under Iran’s management under the latest draft framework being discussed between Tehran and Washington.
The outlet also described Trump’s earlier Truth Social announcement as "incomplete and inconsistent with reality."
Trump said Saturday that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement and specifically claimed that “the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes and has become a central issue in negotiations tied to Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and regional security.
The conflicting statements underscored lingering uncertainty surrounding the status and details of any final agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Israeli report says Witkoff pushing Trump toward Iran deal, opposing renewed war
President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly pushing for a diplomatic agreement with Iran and urging against renewed military action, according to an Israeli media report published Saturday.
Israel’s Channel 12, citing an unnamed Israeli official, reported that Witkoff is seeking an agreement with Tehran "at any cost" and is pressuring Trump not to resume combat operations.
The report comes as Trump said Saturday that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional issues.
Witkoff has emerged as one of the administration’s central figures in negotiations involving Iran, Gulf nations and regional intermediaries.
The reported internal debate comes as some Republican lawmakers and national security hawks continue warning against a deal they believe could allow Iran to regroup politically and militarily.
Neither the White House nor Witkoff publicly commented on the Channel 12 report.
Lindsey Graham warns Iran deal could put Hezbollah and Iraqi militias ‘on steroids’
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., warned Saturday that any agreement allowing Iran’s regime to survive and eventually regain regional influence could destabilize the Middle East and strengthen Iranian proxy groups.
"If it is perceived in the region that a deal with Iran allows the regime to survive and become more powerful over time, we will have poured gasoline on the conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq," Graham wrote on X.
"A deal that is perceived to allow Iran to survive and possess the ability to control the Strait in the future will put Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Shia militias in Iraq on steroids," he added.
The comments came amid mounting speculation about a possible diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security issues.
Graham has emerged as one of the most vocal Republican critics of diplomacy with Tehran, repeatedly warning that Iran could use negotiations to regroup politically, economically and militarily.
The South Carolina senator has also argued that continued pressure on Iran is necessary to prevent Tehran-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Iraqi Shia militias from regaining strength across the region.
Trump ‘focused and determined’ at White House as Iran deal nears, aide says
White House communications director Steven Cheung said Saturday that President Donald Trump had been working at the White House since early in the morning as negotiations involving Iran intensified.
"It’s 4:00 PM on a Saturday, and President Trump has been working hard at the White House since early this morning," Cheung wrote on X.
"This man is focused and determined," he added.
Cheung’s comments came shortly before Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States and Iran had "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said final details of the agreement were still being discussed following calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The president had earlier indicated he planned to remain at the White House during Memorial Day weekend because of what he described as an "important period of time."
Iran moves World Cup base camp to Mexico from US amid regional tensions
Iran’s soccer federation said Saturday that the national team’s World Cup base camp has been moved to Mexico from the United States amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns surrounding travel logistics.
According to the Associated Press, Iran had originally planned to base the team in Tucson, Arizona, ahead of this summer’s World Cup but will now operate out of Tijuana, Mexico, following approval from FIFA.
"All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA," Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said in a statement.
Iran’s federation said the move would help resolve potential visa issues and simplify travel arrangements, including possible flights through Mexico.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, begins June 11. Iran is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Inglewood, California and Seattle.
The decision comes as tensions remain elevated following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and regional allies.
Trump says US, Iran have 'largely negotiated' agreement tied to Strait of Hormuz reopening
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States and Iran have "largely negotiated" an agreement tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz following calls with Middle East leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said he spoke from the Oval Office with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain regarding "all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE."
"An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries," Trump wrote.
Trump added that he separately spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said the conversation "likewise, went very well."
"Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly," Trump said.
"In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened," he added.
The statement marks Trump’s strongest indication yet that negotiators may be nearing a broader diplomatic agreement involving Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and maritime access through the strategically critical waterway.
The comments came after days of intensified diplomacy involving the United States, Gulf nations, Pakistan and regional intermediaries amid fears of renewed military escalation.
Sen. Roger Wicker says proposed Iran ceasefire would undo ‘Operation Epic Fury’
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., warned Saturday that a rumored 60-day ceasefire agreement with Iran would undermine recent U.S. military gains and allow Tehran to regroup.
"The rumored 60-day ceasefire — with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith — would be a disaster," Wicker wrote on X.
"Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!" he added.
The Mississippi Republican has emerged as one of the most outspoken GOP voices arguing against a diplomatic settlement with Tehran following recent U.S. military operations and escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Wicker previously warned that continued negotiations with Iran could project "weakness" and urged President Donald Trump to allow U.S. forces to continue degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
The comments come as Trump administration officials signal that negotiations with Tehran may be making progress, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Saturday there was "a chance" Iran could accept a deal within days.
Regional diplomat says Trump call with Middle East leaders on Iran was ‘very positive’
A regional diplomat told Fox News on Saturday that President Donald Trump’s call with Middle East leaders regarding Iran was "very positive" and showed signs of diplomatic progress.
"The call was very positive. Good progress is being made," the diplomat told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst.
"Regional leaders were supportive of the progress and of the breakthrough President Trump achieved with the talks," the diplomat added.
Earlier Saturday, Fox News confirmed that Trump was expected to speak with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan regarding the situation with Iran.
The call came amid intensified diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran and regional intermediaries as negotiators push for a broader agreement tied to Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan says Tehran talks made progress toward ‘final understanding’ in US-Iran crisis
Pakistan said Saturday that talks between army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Iranian leaders in Tehran produced progress toward a "final understanding" in efforts to resolve the US-Iran crisis, according to Arab News.
In a statement released after Munir’s visit, Pakistan’s military described more than 24 hours of meetings with senior Iranian officials as "highly productive."
"The intensive negotiations over the last twenty four hours have resulted in encouraging progress toward a final understanding," Pakistan’s military said.
Munir met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as diplomatic efforts intensified to prevent renewed conflict between Tehran and Washington.
The update came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Saturday that movement was occurring in negotiations and said there was “a chance” Tehran could accept a deal within days.
Pakistan has increasingly emerged as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran while coordinating with regional partners including Qatar, Oman and China.
Trump says US is ‘getting a lot closer’ to reaching a deal with Iran: report
President Donald Trump said negotiators from the U.S. and Iran are “getting a lot closer” to finalizing a deal, CBS News reported Saturday.
Sources familiar with the talks told CBS News that the latest proposal on the table includes a process to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of some Iranian assets being held in foreign banks.
Trump also told the network that he believes the final deal will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, otherwise he “wouldn’t even be talking about it.”
"I will only sign a deal where we get everything we want," Trump reportedly added.
Trump to have call with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan, Fox confirms
A regional official told Fox News on Saturday that "President Trump is expected to hold a call with regional countries on the situation with Iran.”
“Leaders from nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan will join the call,” the official said to Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst.
Axios reported earlier that the call is expected to happen at 1 p.m. ET.
Trump to hold conference call with Arab leaders to discuss Iran agreement draft: report
President Donald Trump reportedly will hold a conference call with Arab leaders at 1 p.m. ET to discuss a draft agreement with Iran.
Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with knowledge of the matter, that Trump is looking to discuss the situation with Iran with Gulf leaders.
"I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good," Trump told Axios earlier Saturday, adding that, "some people would much rather have a deal and others would rather resume the war.”
Trump returned to Washington, D.C., on Friday evening after delivering remarks in Suffern, N.Y. It was unclear if the president was to spend Memorial Day weekend in Bedminster, N.J., but he ultimately came back to the nation's capital.
Trump says it’s a ‘solid 50/50’ if he can make Iran deal or ‘blow them to kingdom come’: report
President Donald Trump said he will be meeting with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later Saturday to discuss Iran’s latest offer to end the war, and that he’s a “solid 50/50” as to whether he’ll be able to make a “good” deal or else “blow them to kingdom come,” according to Axios.
The outlet reported that Vice President JD Vance is also expected to join the meeting with Witkoff and Kushner and that Trump would likely decide by Sunday whether or not to resume combat operations against Iran.
"I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good," Trump told Axios, adding that, "some people would much rather have a deal and others would rather resume the war.”
Trump said he would only accept a deal that covers issues like uranium enrichment and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Axios also reported.