Iran has refuted suggestions that a significant deal with the United States is near conclusion, emphasizing that several critical issues remain unsettled despite some advancements in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, acknowledged that both parties have reached an understanding on numerous points but cautioned against any premature declarations of an imminent final agreement. He attributed delays in the process to contradictory statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
A central topic in the discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran clarified that it does not intend to impose tolls on vessels but may levy fees for navigational and environmental protection services, coordinated with Oman. Additionally, Iran demands that any accord must include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the talks are ongoing, describing the proposal under consideration as substantial. The framework reportedly includes a 30-day window following a ceasefire during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore complete maritime access. Concurrently, the US military confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to deploy mines, actions described by Washington as self-defense while still supporting ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump remarked that the final agreement should be “great and meaningful,” or there would be no agreement 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 the initiative. Another sticking point is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels, it has rebuffed demands to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad and is seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials argue that political divisions within the United States, including criticism from Congress and segments of the Republican Party, are adding 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.