Iran has dismissed the notion that a significant agreement with the United States is on the brink of completion, highlighting that despite advancements in talks, several critical issues remain unresolved. Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, noted that while both parties have reached consensus on numerous points, claiming that a final deal is imminent would be premature. He attributed the delays in the negotiation process to conflicting messages from Washington and interference from Israel.
A key aspect of the discussions involves the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified its stance, stating it does not intend to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait but may implement charges for navigational and environmental protection services, in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Iran has emphasized that any agreement should encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian port and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the ongoing discussions as significant, with a proposal that includes a 30-day window following a ceasefire for Iran to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore full maritime access. Meanwhile, the US military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and vessels allegedly preparing to lay mines. Washington has justified these actions as self-defense while expressing continued support for ceasefire initiatives.
President Donald Trump has asserted that the eventual agreement would be “great and meaningful,” or no deal would be reached at all. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, although regional leaders have reportedly shown little interest in this proposal. One of the sticking points in the negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has shown willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but has rejected calls to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad and is seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials contend that internal political divisions in the US, including criticism from Congress and certain Republican Party members, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiations further. The proposed agreement currently does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than earlier demands from the US.