Iran has dismissed suggestions that a deal with the United States is imminent, pointing to confusion in US positions and Israeli interference as key factors hindering a comprehensive agreement. Speaking at a weekly foreign ministry press briefing, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's negotiating team, stated that while progress has been made on many issues, no one can claim that a deal is imminent.
Key Issues in Negotiations
Baghaei emphasised that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be included in any memorandum of understanding that would allow Iran to permit commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. He also clarified that future management of the Strait of Hormuz is a matter for Oman and Iran to resolve, rejecting claims of tolls and instead referring to fees for navigational services.
US and Israeli Positions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that a deal could be reached, but acknowledged a mounting list of unresolved problems. President Donald Trump stated that the deal would either be great and meaningful or there would be no deal at all. Baghaei accused Israel of trying to scupper the agreement, saying nothing else should be expected.
Iranian officials also claimed that political outcry within the US is pressuring Trump to backtrack on releasing up to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar. The release of these assets is a central Iranian demand, but it has painful parallels for Trump, who criticised Barack Obama for a similar cash transfer during the 2015 nuclear deal.
Nuclear and Other Issues
Baghaei stated that no nuclear issues, such as Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, would be addressed in the memorandum except for a commitment to negotiate within 60 days. Iran has previously indicated willingness to down-blend enriched uranium but refuses to transfer the stockpile to the US or Russia. It has suggested suspending domestic enrichment for up to five years, not the 20 years sought by the US.
The deal contains no provisions on Iran's ballistic missiles or support for regional proxy groups, contrasting with Trump's earlier promise of Iran's complete surrender. European and Gulf states are likely to view Iran's navigational service fees as a distinction without a difference, especially if commercial shipping must seek Iranian services.
Domestic and Regional Reactions
Inside Iran, commentators see the potential deal as a roadmap to hostile coexistence aimed at managing tension rather than ending it. Reports indicate that Iran will reconnect to the international internet within a week after a vote by the supreme national security council, though officials are nervous about public reaction once controls are lifted. Executions inside Iran continue unabated.
