Iran has rebuffed assertions that it is on the brink of finalizing a significant accord with the United States, asserting that several critical issues remain unresolved despite some strides in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, commented that although there is a mutual understanding on numerous points, it would be premature to claim that a deal is imminent. Baghaei attributed the slowdown in the negotiation process to contradictory statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
The discussions have prominently centered around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that while it does not intend to impose tolls on vessels, it may levy charges for navigational and environmental protection services in collaboration with Oman. Furthermore, Iran has emphasized that any prospective agreement must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of constraints on Iranian ports and shipping operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged the ongoing discussions, describing the existing proposal as substantial. The proposed framework outlines a 30-day period following a ceasefire, during which Iran is expected to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore complete maritime access. Meanwhile, the US military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines, actions Washington has justified as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump has stated that the final agreement would need to be “great and meaningful,” or there will be no deal at all. He has also urged several Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords and establish normalized relations with Israel, although reports suggest regional leaders have shown limited interest. Another sticking point in the negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels, it has rejected demands to transfer its uranium reserves abroad and is pushing for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have argued that political divisions within the United States, including criticism from Congress and factions of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House, thus complicating the negotiations 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 US demands.
