Iran has cast doubt on the prospect of an imminent agreement with the United States, pointing to contradictory statements from Washington and Israeli interference as obstacles to a deal. During a weekly press briefing, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's negotiating team, stated that while progress has been made on many issues, it is premature to claim a deal is near.
Key Points from Iran's Statement
Baghaei emphasized that future management of the Strait of Hormuz is a matter for Oman and Iran to decide jointly, rejecting claims that Iran is demanding tolls. Instead, he described the proposed charges as "fees for navigational services." He also insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be included in any memorandum of understanding that would allow Iranian cooperation on shipping through the strait, in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
"It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion," Baghaei said. "But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no one can make such a claim."
US Perspective
In contrast, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, noting that talks in Qatar continued and that the Strait of Hormuz would open "one way or another." He acknowledged ongoing discussions about specific language in the initial document. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that any deal must be "great and meaningful, or there will be no deal at all."
Meanwhile, US strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying vessels have underscored the tensions, as Trump's promised peace deal remains elusive.
Other Developments
In related news, a Trump Tower planned for Tbilisi, Georgia, will be built on land partly owned by the son of a US-sanctioned leader. Additionally, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the Iranian national football team will stay in Mexico during the World Cup, after the US refused to host them. Elsewhere, firefighters in Orange County, California, contained a hazardous chemical tank threat, and protests outside a New Jersey migrant detention center turned violent with reports of pepper spray and batons used by US immigration agents.
