Iran has refuted assertions that a significant agreement with the United States is on the brink of completion, highlighting that several crucial issues remain unresolved despite some progress in ongoing negotiations. According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, while both parties have reached consensus on numerous matters, a definitive deal is not yet within reach. He attributed the delay to conflicting messages from Washington and interference from Israel, which he claimed have slowed down the negotiation process.
A central topic in the talks is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that it does not intend to impose tolls on ships passing through the strait. Instead, it is considering charging for navigational and environmental protection services, in coordination with Oman. Additionally, Iran has stipulated that any potential agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that the discussions are ongoing, describing the proposal currently being considered as significant. The framework reportedly includes a 30-day period following a ceasefire during which Iran would undertake the removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring full maritime access. In a related development, the U.S. military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to deploy mines, actions which Washington has justified as self-defense while expressing continued support for ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump emphasized that any final agreement reached would need to be “great and meaningful,” otherwise no deal would be made. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though it appears regional leaders have shown minimal interest in this proposal. Meanwhile, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains a contentious issue. Tehran has shown a willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but has firmly rejected demands to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad, while also seeking the release of billions of dollars in assets frozen overseas.
Iranian officials have pointed out that internal political divisions in the U.S., including criticism from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiation process further. Notably, the proposed agreement does not currently address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive than previous U.S. demands.