Iran has dismissed claims that it is on the brink of finalizing a significant agreement with the United States, emphasizing that unresolved issues remain despite some progress in ongoing talks. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, remarked that although there has been mutual understanding on several matters, it is premature to declare a deal imminent. He attributed the delays to conflicting statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
The discussions have prominently centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. While Iran clarified it has no plans to impose tolls on passing ships, it suggested the possibility of charging for navigational and environmental protection services in collaboration with Oman. Furthermore, Iran has asserted that any agreement must address a ceasefire in Lebanon and the removal of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing and characterized the current proposal as significant. The framework reportedly includes a 30-day window following a ceasefire, during which Iran would be expected to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, thereby restoring complete maritime access. Concurrently, the U.S. military has conducted strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines, actions described by Washington as self-defense while supporting ceasefire efforts.
President Donald Trump stated that any final agreement must be “great and meaningful,” otherwise there would be no deal. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, though regional leaders have reportedly shown limited interest. Another sticking point is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Tehran has shown willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels, it has rejected calls to transfer its uranium overseas and is also seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets.
Iranian officials have pointed to political divides within the U.S., including criticism from Congress and parts of the Republican Party, as factors putting pressure on the White House and complicating negotiations further. Notably, the proposed agreement does not tackle Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive than previous U.S. demands.