Iran has refuted claims that it is on the verge of finalizing a significant agreement with the United States, highlighting that numerous critical issues remain unresolved despite advancements in negotiations. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, while both parties have achieved consensus on various points, a final deal is not yet within reach. He attributed the delay to conflicting statements from Washington and interference by Israel.
A central topic of the discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. In response to this, Iran clarified its stance, stating there are no plans to impose tolls on vessels but may introduce fees for navigational and environmental protection services, in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Iran emphasized that any potential agreement must incorporate a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on its ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the ongoing discussions, describing the current proposal as significant. The proposed framework includes a 30-day period following a ceasefire, during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore full maritime access. Meanwhile, the US military confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines. Washington justified these actions as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump commented that the final agreement would be “great and meaningful” or there would be no deal at all. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though reports suggest regional leaders have shown little interest in the proposal. An ongoing issue in the negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but has rejected demands to transfer the stockpile abroad. Iran is also seeking the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have pointed out that internal political divisions in the United States, including criticism from Congress and some Republican Party factions, are exerting pressure on the White House, complicating negotiations further. The proposed agreement does not currently address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than earlier US demands.