Iran has dismissed reports suggesting that a significant agreement with the United States is nearing completion, citing unresolved issues despite advancements in discussions. Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, acknowledged that there has been consensus on several matters but emphasized that claiming a final deal is close would be premature. He attributed the delays to conflicting messages from Washington and interference from Israel.
Central to the negotiations is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. While Iran has clarified its stance against imposing tolls on vessels, it is considering levying charges for navigational and environmental services, in collaboration with Oman. Moreover, Iran has asserted that any accord must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on its ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the ongoing talks as significant, highlighting the proposed framework that includes a 30-day window following a ceasefire, during which Iran would be responsible for removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring full maritime access. Concurrently, the US military has confirmed strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats reportedly preparing to deploy mines, actions described by Washington as self-defense while affirming their support for ceasefire initiatives.
US President Donald Trump has stated that any final agreement would need to be “great and meaningful,” or no deal would be made at all. He has also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and establish normalized relations with Israel, though the proposal has reportedly met with limited enthusiasm from regional leaders. A sticking point in the negotiations remains Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has shown readiness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but has rejected calls to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad. Additionally, Iran is seeking the release of billions in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials argue that internal political divisions in the US, including criticism from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, are adding pressure on the White House, further complicating the negotiation process. The proposed agreement does not currently address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive compared to previous US demands.