I am currently talking to two sources I really respect. They are both telling me that Trump is backing away from the deal with Iran, likely under extreme internal pressure (i.e. Israel and its domestic allies in the US). This is a terrifying turn of events.
— Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) May 24, 2026
Trump backing away from Iran deal – Al Jazeera
US President Donald Trump is backing away from the deal with Iran, likely under extreme internal pressure, an Al Jazeera reporter said on X citing two sources.
Ali Hashem علي هاشم
@Alihashem
Less than 24 hours after optimism emerged around a possible Iran-US memorandum, negative vibes are already surfacing.
A well-informed Iranian source tells me there are signs of U.S. retreat on two central issues: the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets, and the scope of a ceasefire in Lebanon.
According to the source, the memorandum includes a Lebanon ceasefire framework, but Israel is reportedly uncomfortable with the arrangement and is pushing Washington to include language allowing it to carry out military operations in Lebanon under the justification of responding to “any threat.” Iran is rejecting that formulation and insisting on a sustainable and lasting ceasefire.
Tehran has informed all mediators, including Pakistan, that it will not sign the memorandum unless all clauses are fully agreed and guaranteed. Pakistan reportedly suggested moving forward with agreed sections while postponing contentious points, but Iran rejected that approach, insisting the disputed clauses are fundamental and non-negotiable.
The overall picture suggests Tehran increasingly views Washington as backing away from earlier understandings reached through mediators.
Less than 24 hours after optimism emerged around a possible Iran-US memorandum, negative vibes are already surfacing.
A well-informed Iranian source tells me there are signs of U.S. retreat on two central issues: the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets, and the scope of a… https://t.co/Jciwt2wrBd— Ali Hashem علي هاشم (@Alihashem) May 24, 2026
Decisions by US defence officials ‘need to be explained’: Republican senator
As we’ve been reporting, Donald Trump and his administration have faced pushback from both Republican and Democratic politicians over the last 24 hours.
Speaking with CNN, US Republican Senator Thom Tillis questioned why Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and other officials claimed to have “obliterated” Iran’s capabilities nearly three months ago.
“Now we’re talking about a posture where we may accept the nuclear material may remain in Iran,” Tillis said. “How does that make sense at all?”
“There are a lot of things that need to be explained.”
His comments followed those of Senator Roger Wicker yesterday, who said the rumoured 60-day ceasefire agreement” would be a disaster”.