Trump tells US negotiators 'not to rush' into deal with Iran

US President Donald Trump has instructed his negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran, after reports suggested an agreement between the two sides was close.

In a social media post, Trump said "constructive" talks were proceeding but added that "both sides must take their time and get it right".

Trump had said on Saturday that a deal with Iran - which he called a "memorandum of understanding" - had been "largely negotiated", prompting speculation an announcement could be imminent.

Comments made by Iranian officials over the weekend had likewise signalled both sides were making progress on elements of a peace deal.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Saturday progress did not mean agreements would be reached on key issues, and accused the US of "contradictory statements".

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier on Sunday that "significant progress" had been made, but there was still "work to do".

Trump also said Tehran "must understand" it cannot develop a nuclear weapon, a message supported by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in a post on Sunday.

Israel and the US began massive air strikes on Iran on 28 February, while Tehran retaliated by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US targets in countries across the Gulf.

A ceasefire agreed in April meant to facilitate talks has largely been observed despite occasional exchanges of fire.

Neither Washington nor Tehran have officially confirmed details of a potential deal, but reports have started to emerge on some possible elements.

A 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are among those believed to be included, according to US outlet Axios.

Iranian media reports say there are still "one or two" points of disagreement in the potential deal.

In Sunday's post on Truth Social, Trump said the negotiations with Iran "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".

"Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!"

Trump also said Iran "must understand" it cannot develop a nuclear weapon, a stance he has frequently reiterated and that is shared by Israel and other Western allies.

The US and its Western allies suspect that Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear weapon by enriching uranium - but Tehran has said its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

In his social media post, the US president also said Washington's blockade of Iranian ports "will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed".

The US military has been enforcing its blockade to exert pressure on Tehran to agree to Washington's terms.

For its part, Iran has continued to control the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the vital waterway through which around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas travels.