Iran has dismissed the notion that it is on the verge of finalizing a major agreement with the United States, emphasizing that important issues remain unresolved despite some progress in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, acknowledged that while there has been mutual understanding on several fronts, it is premature to suggest a final deal is near. He attributed the delay to conflicting statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
A central topic in the discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that it does not intend to implement tolls on vessels but may impose fees related to navigational and environmental protection services, in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Iran has stipulated that any agreement must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that talks are ongoing, describing the current proposal as significant. The draft framework reportedly includes a provision for a 30-day period following a ceasefire, during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and fully restore maritime access. Concurrently, the US military has confirmed executing strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats suspected of preparing to lay mines, an action Washington justified as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump has stated that a final agreement would be either “great and meaningful” or there would be no deal at all. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though reports suggest regional leaders have shown limited interest in this proposal. Another sticking point in the negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels, it has refused demands to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad and is also 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 parts of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiation process. The proposed agreement currently does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its backing of regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive than previous US demands.