Iran has poured cold water on suggestions that a deal with the US is imminent, pointing to confusion in US positions and Israeli interference as key factors hindering a complete agreement. Speaking at the weekly foreign ministry press briefing, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s negotiating team, also stated that future management of the Strait of Hormuz is a matter for Oman and Iran to resolve, and that proposed fees are for navigational services, not tolls.
Progress but No Imminent Agreement
Referring to the state of talks, Baghaei said: “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion. But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no one can make such a claim.” He insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be included in the memorandum of understanding that would allow Iranian commercial shipping through the strait, and the US lifting its blockade of Iran’s ports.
US Hopes Persist Amid Unresolved Issues
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio still expressed hope for a deal, but a mounting list of unresolved problems remains. Rubio said it takes time to receive an answer from Iran’s political system but emphasized: “Either we will have a good deal or we will deal with this issue in another way, and we prefer to have a good deal.” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the deal would either be “great and meaningful, or there will be no deal at all.”
Nuclear Issues Excluded from Memorandum
Baghaei confirmed 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. Trump, under pressure from Republican critics, wants a commitment from Iran to dispose of its stockpile, though the method may not be detailed. Iran has previously offered to down-blend enriched uranium but refuses to transfer the stockpile to the US or Russia, and has suggested suspending domestic enrichment for up to five years, not the 20 years sought by the US.
Asset Release and Political Pressure
Iranian officials claim that political outcry in the US is pressuring Trump to backtrack on releasing up to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar. The governor of Iran’s central bank traveled to Qatar on Monday. The release of assets is a central Iranian demand, but for Trump, it parallels the 2015 nuclear deal when Barack Obama gave $1.7 billion to Iran. Baghaei referred to chaos in Washington: “You are faced with a wave of dismissals, contradictory statements, opposition from Congress and also opposition from parts of public opinion.” Trump dismissed critics, saying he would not “listen to losers who are critical of something they know nothing about.”
No Mention of Ballistic Missiles or Proxies
The deal contains nothing on Iran’s ballistic missiles or support for regional proxy groups, contrasting with Trump’s promise of Iran’s complete surrender. Baghaei accused Israel of trying to scupper the deal, saying nothing else should be expected. On the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said talks were held Monday between Omani and Iranian officials to establish a reliable mechanism for safe passage, emphasizing that “we believe in the use of this international waterway for free trade and safe navigation.” He rejected claims of nationalization, stating that “navigation services are provided, plus necessary measures to protect the environment of the strait, these require the collection of fees. The term tolls should not be used.” European and Gulf states may see this as a distinction without a difference, especially if commercial shipping must seek Iran’s navigational services.
Domestic Implications
Inside Iran, commentators view the potential deal as a roadmap to hostile coexistence aimed at managing tension, not ending it. Reports indicate Iran’s officials will reconnect the country to the international internet within a week after a vote by the supreme national security council. Officials, facing soaring inflation of food prices, are nervous about public reaction once internet controls are lifted. The spate of executions inside Iran continues unabated.
