White House says Iran deal could take days

The White House doesn't expect an agreement to end the war with Iran Sunday and thinks it could take several days for the deal's approval by Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, a senior U.S. official said in a briefing with reporters. Why it matters: While U.S. officials are optimistic that a deal will be signed within days, they also acknowledge it has not been finalized and could still fall apart. "We are in a very good place — but there are ways in which the deal can be undermined," a senior U.S. official said. The deal would avoid an escalation of the war and decrease the pressure on the global oil supply. However, it's unclear whether it will lead to a lasting peace agreement that also addresses President Trump's nuclear demands. President Trump told his "representatives not to rush into a deal" with Iran, he announced Sunday on Truth Social , saying "both sides must take their time and get it right." He said the U.S. naval blockade will "remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed." State of play: The senior Trump administration official said there are still details "to work out," but the "slow and opaque" nature of Iran's decision-making system could delay an agreement by another few days. "There is still back and forth on specific details. Some words we care about, Some words they care about," the U.S. official said. "Our understanding is that the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has endorsed the broad template of the deal. Whether this becomes an agreement is still an open question," the official added. The other side: Iran's state media on Sunday accused the U.S. of "creating obstacles" in the negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that Iran is "ready to reassure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons" but stressed negotiators "will not compromise when it comes to our country's honor and dignity." Zoom in: The U.S. of...

Original source: Axios