Iran has dismissed claims that it is on the brink of finalizing a significant agreement with the United States, citing unresolved issues despite advancements in negotiations. According to Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, while progress has been made on various points, it is premature to suggest that a deal is about to be concluded. He attributed the delays to inconsistent statements from Washington and interference from Israel, which have hindered the process.
A central topic in the ongoing discussions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that, contrary to some reports, it does not intend to impose tolls on passing ships. However, Iran may charge fees related to navigational and environmental protection services, in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Tehran has made it clear that any agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that discussions are underway, describing the proposal being considered as significant. The proposed framework reportedly includes a 30-day period following a ceasefire, during which Iran would be responsible for removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring full maritime access. Concurrently, the US military has acknowledged conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay mines. Washington justified these actions as self-defense while continuing to support ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump emphasized that any final agreement must be “great and meaningful,” otherwise, no deal will be pursued. He also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though reports suggest regional leaders have shown limited interest in the proposal. Meanwhile, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains a contentious issue. Tehran has expressed a willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels but has refused demands 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 pointed out that political divisions within the United States, including criticism from Congress and certain factions of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House and complicating the negotiations further. The current proposal does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than earlier demands from the US.