Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran are “50/50,” as regional mediators race to secure a diplomatic breakthrough before Washington decides whether to resume military operations.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said he would meet with his negotiating team later in the day to review Iran’s latest proposal and could make a final decision by Sunday. The president said the outcome remains uncertain, describing the chances of a deal as a “solid 50/50.”
Trump Consults Regional Leaders as Negotiations Reach Critical Stage
Trump is expected to consult a number of regional leaders involved in mediation efforts, including officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan and Turkey, before making a final decision on the proposed Iran agreement. Reports indicate that several Arab and Muslim-majority states are playing a central role in the negotiations.
The consultations come as mediators work to finalize a proposed letter of intent that would formally end hostilities and launch a new round of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan Pushes for Breakthrough in Tehran
Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of an intensive mediation effort aimed at securing a framework agreement between the United States and Iran. A Qatari delegation also traveled to Tehran as negotiations continued behind closed doors.
Diplomatic sources describe the talks as difficult, with draft proposals moving back and forth daily while key disagreements remain unresolved.
Military Option Still on the Table
Despite signs of progress, Trump has made clear that military action remains a possibility if negotiations fail. Sources familiar with the discussions say the president has grown increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of diplomacy and continues to consider additional military options should Tehran reject U.S. demands.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged there has been some movement in the negotiations but reiterated that Washington’s core objective remains unchanged: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
With negotiators shuttling between capitals and regional leaders weighing in on the outcome, the next 48 hours could determine whether the Middle East moves toward a diplomatic settlement or a new phase of military confrontation.
