Trump tempers expectations of a Middle East deal with Iran

AI Summary

US President Donald Trump has downplayed the chances of quickly reaching a Middle East deal with Iran, advising negotiators not to rush. Despite an ongoing ceasefire since April 8 and mediation efforts, tensions persist with Iran restricting Gulf shipping and the US maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump tempered expectations of a Middle East deal by saying he had told his negotiators not to "rush", hours after his top diplomat said the US and Iran could strike a bargain to end the regional war as early as Sunday. Washington and Tehran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the US has blockaded Iran's ports.