Iran weighs peace proposal, accuses US of 'excessive demands' - newseu.cgtn.com

On 23 May 2026, the United States and Iran signalled progress in talks to end the war. President Trump said an agreement with Iran had been 'largely negotiated' and was 'subject to finalization', and that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened. He said Iran was 'getting a lot closer' to a deal, spoke by phone with El-Sisi, regional leaders and Netanyahu, put the chance of a deal at 'a solid 50/50' and warned of strikes if talks fail. Rubio said there was a 'chance' of Iran accepting a deal as soon as Saturday, and mediators said the two sides were moving closer to extending the ceasefire by 60 days.

Iran gave a more cautious picture. Its officials said it was too early to say a deal was close, its top negotiator said Tehran would not compromise, and Iran accused the US of 'excessive demands' while weighing a peace proposal. Pakistan's army chief met Iranian officials as part of mediation efforts. The war had lasted 84 days at this point.