Negotiations between Iran and the United States have progressed on multiple fronts, yet Tehran has dismissed claims that a comprehensive deal is on the brink of completion. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, emphasized that, while several points of agreement have been reached, significant issues remain unresolved. Baghaei attributed delays in the negotiation process to mixed messages from Washington and meddling by Israel.
A key element of the discussions centers on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iran has clarified its position, stating there are no intentions to impose tolls on passing ships, though it might levy charges for navigational and environmental services in collaboration with Oman. Additionally, Tehran demands that any agreement should include provisions for a ceasefire in Lebanon and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports and maritime operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has characterized the ongoing discussions as substantial, with the current proposal featuring a 30-day window following a ceasefire for Iran to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, thus ensuring unimpeded maritime access. Meanwhile, the US military has acknowledged conducting strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and vessels suspected of preparing to lay mines. The Pentagon described these actions as self-defense measures, while still expressing support for the ceasefire negotiations.
President Donald Trump has asserted that the agreement must be “great and meaningful” or there would be no deal at all. He also called for more Middle Eastern nations to engage with the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel, despite the apparent lack of enthusiasm from regional leaders for this initiative. Another contentious topic in the negotiations is Iran’s enrichment of uranium. While Iran has shown some willingness to temporarily lower enrichment levels, it has firmly opposed calls to transfer its uranium reserves abroad. Additionally, Tehran is seeking the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas.
Iranian representatives have pointed to internal political strife within the United States, including opposition from Congress and segments of the Republican Party, as factors complicating the White House’s ability to finalize an agreement. Notably, the proposed deal does not address Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional militias, which were previously among the broader demands of the US. This omission suggests the current framework is less comprehensive than earlier stipulations put forth by Washington.