Live Updates: Peace deal with Iran has been “largely negotiated” and will include reopening Strait of Hormuz, Trump says
Live Updates: Peace Deal with Iran ‘Largely Negotiated,’ Includes Hormuz Reopening, Trump Says
Live Updates: Peace deal with Iran has been “largely negotiated” and will include reopening Strait of Hormuz, Trump says – Updated on: May 23, 2026 / 11:36 PM EDT / CBS News
Iranian Soccer Team Relocates Training Base to Mexico
The leader of Iran’s national soccer organization revealed Saturday that the country’s World Cup preparation facility has been relocated from the United States to Mexico, following FIFA’s endorsement of the change. This decision was announced by the federation’s official communications team, with Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, confirming the shift in a press release. While FIFA has not yet officially verified the relocation, the move marks a significant logistical adjustment for Iran’s team ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, the team’s base was to be located in the U.S. However, the relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego, has raised questions about the rationale. Officials at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson declined to comment on the decision, stating it was still under review. The federation explained that the change was influenced by ongoing instability in the Middle East and concerns about security for participants during the conflict.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on Iran and the World Cup
President Donald Trump’s stance on Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been inconsistent, according to recent reports. During a meeting with FIFA officials in mid-March, he expressed support for Iran’s inclusion in the tournament, as noted by CBS News. Yet, just two days later, he posted on Truth Social, asserting that while Iran was “welcome” to compete, he did not believe their presence was “appropriate” for their “own life and safety.”
“While the Iranian team is welcome to play, I do not believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump wrote in his social media post.
This conflicting narrative has sparked debate about the administration’s approach to international relations. Trump’s remarks suggest a broader concern about Iran’s role in regional tensions, even as he publicly welcomed their participation in global sporting events.
Peace Talks and the Hormuz Dispute
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism Saturday evening about hosting a new round of U.S.-Iran peace discussions. In a social media post, he praised Trump’s “extraordinary efforts” to pursue peace, highlighting a recent productive call with Middle Eastern leaders. “The discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region,” Sharif stated, adding that his government would “continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity.”
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” Sharif wrote.
Meanwhile, Iran’s regime contested Trump’s claim that a peace deal would result in the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for 20% of global oil transit before the war. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that the two sides were “nearing an agreement” under which “the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, countered that the strait would remain under Iranian control even if a deal is reached. “In the event of a possible agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will still be under Iranian management,” the agency said. Fars also emphasized that allowing prewar levels of ship traffic did not equate to granting “free passage” to the region.
U.S. Officials Confirm Trump’s Calls with Regional Leaders
U.S. officials confirmed Saturday that Trump participated in a conference call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain. The session focused on advancing peace negotiations with Iran, with Trump asserting that the deal had been “largely negotiated” but required final approval from all parties involved.
Separately, Trump engaged in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he described as “very well” conducted. “Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” he added, signaling continued momentum toward a resolution.
Senators Criticize the Peace Deal
Despite the administration’s optimism, some lawmakers have raised concerns about the proposed agreement. Roger Wicker, a Republican senator from Mississippi and chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the potential deal “a disaster.” Wicker, along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been a vocal opponent of diplomatic engagement with Iran, advocating for a return to military action.
Wicker’s criticism reflects a broader divide within the U.S. political establishment over the merits of the peace deal. While Trump highlights the agreement’s progress, Wicker argues that concessions to Iran could weaken U.S. strategic interests in the region. His comments align with those of other hardliners who fear the deal might embolden Iran’s influence.
Global Implications of the Strait of Hormuz Agreement
Trump’s emphasis on Hormuz’s reopening underscores its strategic importance. The strait, a vital maritime passage, has been a focal point of international concern due to its role in global energy supply. Its near-total closure during the war triggered a spike in oil prices and contributed to a worldwide energy crisis.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters in Sweden on Friday, stressed the need for a “Plan B” in case Iran fails to agree to the strait’s reopening. “The U.S. and its allies must have a Plan B” if the waterway remains closed, he warned, noting the economic impact of such a scenario.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said in his Saturday afternoon update.
With negotiations ongoing and political dynamics shifting, the outcome of the talks remains uncertain. While Trump’s vision of a “largely negotiated” deal offers hope, the challenge lies in securing consensus among the U.S., Iran, and other regional nations. The strait’s status will likely play a pivotal role in determining the success of the broader peace initiative.
The decisions made in the coming days could reshape not only the World Cup’s trajectory but also the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. As the U.S. continues to coordinate with allies, the focus remains on balancing diplomacy with the need to safeguard national and international interests.