Iran has dismissed reports suggesting that a significant accord with the United States is nearing completion, emphasizing that despite some advancements, critical issues remain unresolved. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei highlighted that while there is consensus on numerous points, it is premature to assert that a final agreement is on the horizon. He pointed to contradictory messages from Washington and interference from Israel as factors hindering progress.
The negotiations primarily focus on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Although Iran clarified that it does not intend to impose tolls on passing ships, it may levy charges for navigational and environmental protection services, working in tandem with Oman. Additionally, Iran is firm on including a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting restrictions on its ports and shipping operations as part of any deal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has characterized the ongoing discussions as significant, noting the current proposal includes a 30-day period following a ceasefire during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, thereby restoring full maritime access. Concurrently, the US military confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats purportedly preparing to lay mines, actions described by Washington as self-defensive while backing the ceasefire initiatives.
President Donald Trump asserted that the final deal would be substantial and meaningful, or there would be none at all. He also called on several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic relations with Israel, though regional leaders reportedly showed little enthusiasm for the suggestion. Meanwhile, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains a contentious issue, with Tehran expressing willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but rejecting demands to transfer its uranium stockpile overseas. Furthermore, Iran seeks the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets held abroad.
Iranian officials have noted that internal political strife within the US, including criticism from Congress and factions of the Republican Party, is exerting pressure on the White House, complicating the negotiation process. Notably, the proposed agreement does not cover Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional militant groups, rendering it less comprehensive than previous US demands.