Iran has refuted claims of an impending major agreement with the United States, pointing out that although negotiations have progressed, several critical issues are yet to be resolved. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, emphasized that while there is mutual understanding on numerous points, a final deal is not yet in sight. He attributed the delays to contradictory statements from Washington and interference by Israel, which have hindered the process.
A key element of the ongoing discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. Iran has clarified that it does not intend to impose tolls on vessels but might introduce charges for navigational and environmental services, in conjunction with Oman. Additionally, Iran has stipulated that any deal must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of constraints on Iranian ports and shipping operations.
The talks have been described as significant by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted that discussions are ongoing. The proposed framework includes a stipulation that Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and fully restore maritime access within 30 days following a ceasefire. Concurrently, US military forces have conducted strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to deploy mines. Washington has defended these actions as self-defensive while still supporting the ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump has stated that any final agreement must be “great and meaningful,” otherwise, there will be no deal. Trump has also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, although this proposal reportedly received little enthusiasm from regional leaders. Among unresolved matters is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium; Tehran has shown openness to temporarily lowering enrichment levels but has dismissed demands to transfer its uranium abroad, while also seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have argued that political divisions within the US, including opposition from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiations. Notably, the proposed agreement currently excludes issues related to Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive than previous US demands.
