Iran has dispelled rumors of an imminent major agreement with the United States, emphasizing that several significant issues remain unresolved despite advancements in negotiations. Esmail Baghaei, the foreign ministry spokesperson, conveyed that while the two nations have reached consensus on numerous points, a final deal is not on the horizon. He attributed delays to inconsistent statements from Washington and interference from Israel.
A central topic in the talks is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran clarified it is not planning to impose tolls on ships but may levy fees for navigational and environmental protection services, coordinating with Oman. Additionally, Iran has insisted that any agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that discussions are ongoing, describing the proposal under consideration as significant. The framework reportedly includes a 30-day period following a ceasefire during which Iran would remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, restoring full maritime access. Concurrently, the U.S. military confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines. Washington described the strikes as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that any final agreement would be either “great and meaningful” or there would be no deal at all. He also urged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, although regional leaders reportedly showed little interest in the proposal. Another sticking point is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran has expressed willingness to temporarily reduce enrichment levels but refuses to transfer its uranium stockpile abroad. Iran is also pushing for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian officials have argued that political divisions within the U.S., including criticism from Congress and segments of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House and further complicating negotiations. Notably, the proposed agreement does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, rendering it less comprehensive than earlier demands from the U.S.