Iran Says Progress Made in US Talks, But Deal Not Yet Within Reach
Tehran confirms broad understanding on key issues but warns negotiations remain unresolved as regional ceasefire efforts continue
Iran says negotiations with the United States have advanced significantly, with agreements reached on several major issues tied to ending the regional conflict. However, Tehran insists a final deal is not imminent, citing unresolved concerns and continued differences between both sides.
The Iranian government has stated that negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict have produced progress on multiple key issues, although officials caution that a final agreement has not yet been reached.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said both sides had reached common ground on a substantial portion of the matters under discussion.
According to him, while negotiations have moved forward, it would be premature to suggest that a formal agreement is close to being signed. He also accused Washington of inconsistencies and changing positions during the negotiation process.
Baqaei’s comments come after Tehran disclosed that it was finalising a proposed 14-point framework designed to create conditions for ending the conflict that erupted on February 28.
The remarks followed recent comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that an agreement could emerge soon, while President Donald Trump reportedly advised US negotiators against rushing the process.
Iran stressed that the current framework under development is focused primarily on ending military tensions across the region, including the situation in Lebanon.
Baqaei also clarified that discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme remain outside the present framework and would only be addressed after broader agreements are reached.
He added that negotiations include provisions related to ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and arrangements concerning navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran expects US naval restrictions to end while Iran maintains responsibility for ensuring safe maritime movement through the region.
Iran further maintained that charges imposed on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz are service-related fees connected to navigation and environmental protection efforts rather than transit tolls.
