Iran has rebutted allegations that a significant agreement with the United States is nearing completion, citing unresolved key issues despite advancements in discussions. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, acknowledged that while both parties have reached a consensus on numerous matters, a final deal remains uncertain. He attributed the delays to conflicting messages from Washington and alleged interference from Israel.
The negotiations prominently focus on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Iran has clarified that it does not intend to levy tolls on passing ships, though it may impose charges for navigational and environmental protection services in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Iran has emphasized that any deal must encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on its ports and maritime activities.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that discussions are ongoing, describing the current proposal as significant. The framework reportedly suggests a 30-day period following a ceasefire, during which Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, thereby restoring full maritime access. In parallel, the U.S. military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to deploy mines. Washington has defended these actions as self-defense while expressing continued support for the ceasefire negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has conveyed that the final agreement must be either “great and meaningful” or there would be no deal at all. He has also encouraged several Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel, although this proposal reportedly met with limited enthusiasm 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 rejected 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 internal political divisions within the United States, including criticism from Congress and elements of the Republican Party, are exerting pressure on the White House, thus complicating the negotiations further. Notably, the current proposed agreement does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional armed groups, making it less comprehensive than earlier demands from the U.S.