Iran has dismissed claims that a significant agreement with the United States is nearing completion, citing unresolved issues despite progress in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated that while both parties have reached consensus on numerous points, a final deal is not yet certain. He attributed the delay in talks to conflicting statements from Washington and interference by Israel.
A central topic in the discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran clarified its intentions, stating it does not plan to impose tolls on passing ships but might levy charges for navigational and environmental protection services in cooperation with Oman. Additionally, Iran has made it clear that any potential agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon, along with the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that discussions are ongoing, describing the current proposal as significant. The proposed framework reportedly includes a provision for a 30-day period post-ceasefire during which Iran would remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, thereby restoring full maritime access. Concurrently, the US military confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines. Washington characterized these actions as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump remarked that the final agreement would need to 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, though regional leaders reportedly showed little enthusiasm for this proposal. Meanwhile, one of the unresolved issues in the talks is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels but has refused to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad. Iran is also negotiating for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have pointed out that internal political divisions in the US, including criticism from Congress and some Republican Party members, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiations further. The current proposal does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than earlier US demands.