Iran has rejected claims that a significant agreement with the United States is nearing completion, citing unresolved issues despite advancements in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasized that while there has been understanding on numerous points, a finalized deal is not yet assured. He attributed the delays to conflicting statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
Central to the discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has made clear that, although it does not intend to impose tolls on ships, it may implement fees for navigational and environmental protection services in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Iran maintains that any deal must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ongoing talks as significant, with the proposed framework involving a 30-day period following a ceasefire during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore full maritime access. Concurrently, the US military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines. The US has characterized these actions as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump has stated that the final agreement must be either “great and meaningful” or there will be no deal at all. He has also encouraged several Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though these proposals have reportedly met with little interest from regional leaders. Another sticking point in the negotiations is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran has shown a willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels, it has refused demands to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad and is seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have argued that political divisions within the US, including criticism from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, are putting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiations. Notably, the proposed agreement does not cover Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than previous US demands.