Despite ongoing negotiations, Iran has dismissed claims that a major deal with the United States is nearing completion, citing unresolved issues that hinder progress. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei acknowledged that while both parties have reached consensus on several matters, the complexities remain too significant to predict an imminent agreement. He attributed the delays to conflicting messages from the U.S. and alleged interference from Israel.
A critical element of the discussions centers on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that, contrary to some reports, it does not plan to impose tolls but may levy fees for navigational and environmental services in cooperation with Oman. Additionally, Iran insists that any comprehensive deal should include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on its ports and shipping activities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the ongoing talks as significant, with a framework proposal reportedly involving a 30-day period after a ceasefire during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz to restore full maritime access. Meanwhile, the U.S. military confirmed airstrikes in southern Iran targeting missile sites and vessels allegedly gearing up to lay mines, describing the action as a defensive measure while still supporting ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump stated that the ultimate agreement must be either “great and meaningful” or there would be no agreement at all. He also encouraged Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, though regional leaders have shown limited enthusiasm for this initiative. Concurrently, unresolved issues persist, including Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran is open to temporarily reducing enrichment levels, it rejects calls to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad, and seeks the release of billions in frozen assets.
Iranian officials have pointed to political divisions within the U.S., including criticism from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, as factors complicating negotiations. Notably, the proposed agreement does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, presenting a less comprehensive solution compared to previous U.S. demands.