Iran Says Deal With US Not Yet Near Despite Progress in Talks
Tehran urges caution over expectations as negotiations continue and regional leaders intensify diplomatic efforts to end conflict
Iran has acknowledged progress in negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the Middle East conflict but insists a final agreement remains distant. The comments come amid mixed signals from Washington and renewed international diplomatic engagement.
Iran has cautioned that a final agreement with the United States to end the ongoing Middle East conflict remains some distance away, despite recent progress in negotiations between both sides.
The statement came on Monday after renewed optimism emerged over the weekend following comments from senior US officials suggesting that a breakthrough could happen soon.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, confirmed that negotiators had reached understanding on several major issues but stressed that no conclusion had been reached.
According to him, although discussions have advanced considerably, it would be inaccurate to suggest that a formal agreement is close to being signed.
His remarks followed comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said negotiators had a strong proposal on the table and expressed hope that progress could be announced soon. Rubio noted that discussions included arrangements related to reopening maritime access and reducing regional tensions.
However, Iranian officials maintained that negotiations remain incomplete and warned against raising expectations prematurely.
Baqaei reiterated that Iran would continue regulating maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, explaining that fees collected from ships were intended to support navigation services and environmental protection rather than serve as transit charges.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signalled a cautious approach, saying negotiators had been instructed not to rush into any agreement and insisting that existing US pressure measures would remain until a formal settlement is reached.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, stating that any eventual agreement must fully address concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran, however, maintained that negotiations concerning its nuclear programme would only begin after a broader political framework for ending hostilities is agreed upon.
The conflict, which escalated earlier this year and disrupted regional stability and global energy markets, continues to shape international diplomacy. Oil prices fell sharply on Monday as investors reacted to growing hopes that negotiations could eventually lead to a longer-term settlement.
Diplomatic activity also intensified in Asia, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting Chinese leaders in Beijing as part of ongoing efforts to support dialogue and promote regional peace.
