ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - US President Donald Trump said Sunday that talks with Iran are “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner” and that he has instructed US negotiators “not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” coming as a possible agreement draws closer.

"Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one," the president wrote on Truth Social, coming a day after he announced that “an Agreement has been largely negotiated” between Washington and Tehran, though remains “subject to finalization.”

“The Blockade [of Iranian ports] will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed,” he continued, with US naval forces as of Saturday having redirected 100 commercial vessels attempting to access Iran as part of an economic pressure campaign in retaliation for Iranian restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. 

Trump also sharply criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, calling it “one of the worst deals ever made” and that it provided “a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon.”

He said the deal currently being negotiated by his administration was “the exact opposite,” adding that both sides “must take their time and get it right.”

“They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump said.

Trump also thanked Middle Eastern countries for their “support and cooperation,” saying regional ties would be strengthened further through the expansion of the Abraham Accords, through which countries have normalized relations with Israeli, adding that “perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join, as well.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said the proposed agreement with Iran would begin a “process that can ultimately leave us where the president wants us to be, and that is a world that no longer has to fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon.”

“I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news,” Rubio added.

Iran on Saturday said it had worked toward narrowing differences with Washington through a 14-point proposal aimed at continuing peace talks, though gaps remained despite progress.

Trump later on the same day told Axios the chances of reaching a deal were a “solid 50/50” as he prepared to meet special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Tehran’s latest proposal.