WASHINGTON—President Trump said he supported what he described as an emerging agreement that would allow Nippon Steel to invest in—but not fully own—U.S. Steel, potentially opening up a new path for the Japanese company to enter the American steel market.

A group of U.S. consumers have sued Nippon Steel to block its proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel , saying the deal threatens to reduce competition and drive up prices for many products.

Trump said the company agreed to invest heavily instead of owning U.S. Steel. According to the president, he will mediate and arbitrate a meeting with Nippon next week. President Joe Biden, before leaving office last month, blocked the purchase, citing national security concerns.