The Iran nuclear deal isn't actually as close as Trump says. Here's why

President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran as Tehran reviewed a U.S. peace proposal, despite ongoing tensions and a recent incident where an American fighter jet disabled an Iranian oil tanker attempting to bypass a U.S. blockade. The positive outlook spurred financial markets, but uncertainty remained after Saudi Arabia suspended U.S. military access to its bases in response to being caught off guard. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV amid tensions over Trump’s criticism of the Pope, who reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to nuclear weapons and preference for dialogue over conflict.