Iran has dismissed claims that a significant agreement with the United States is nearing completion, highlighting that several crucial issues remain unresolved despite progress in discussions. According to Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, while both nations have reached consensus on many points, a final deal cannot yet be confidently anticipated. He attributed the delay to conflicting statements from Washington and alleged interference by Israel.
Central to the negotiations is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran clarified that, although it has no plans to impose tolls on vessels, it might charge for navigational and environmental protection services in coordination with Oman. Furthermore, Iran insists that any agreement must involve a ceasefire in Lebanon and the removal of restrictions on its ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that discussions are ongoing, describing the proposal as significant. The current framework reportedly includes a 30-day window following a ceasefire during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, restoring full maritime access. Meanwhile, the US military confirmed it had conducted strikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines, describing these actions as self-defense while supporting ongoing ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump emphasized that the final agreement would be “great and meaningful,” or there would be no deal at all. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, although regional leaders reportedly showed little interest. Another sticking point in the talks is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has expressed willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but rejected demands to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad. Additionally, Iran seeks the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials argue that internal political divisions within the US, including criticism from Congress and sections of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House, further complicating negotiations. The proposed agreement currently does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than previous US demands.
