Tehran (TDI): Iran has said that while significant progress has been made in discussions with the United States over a possible agreement to end the conflict, a final deal is not yet close.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that Tehran and Washington had reached common ground on a large number of issues during recent exchanges. However, he cautioned that this should not be interpreted as an imminent signing of any agreement, accusing the US of inconsistent positions during the talks.
Baqaei added that Iran and the US are working on a draft framework for a broader understanding aimed at ending hostilities in the region. According to him, the emerging structure is intended to address wider regional stability, including conflicts beyond Iran.
He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program remains outside the current framework and will only be discussed in later stages once an initial agreement is reached. This remains one of the key unresolved issues between the two sides.
The spokesperson also said that provisions related to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports are part of the ongoing discussions. He reiterated Iran’s position that any blockade must end as part of a broader settlement.
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Baqaei claimed that Iran has taken control of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the conflict, allowing only limited shipping under strict conditions. He added that vessels are required to obtain clearance from Iranian authorities before transiting the waterway.
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He further clarified that Iran is not imposing traditional tolls on shipping, but is instead charging fees for navigational and environmental services related to maritime safety in the region.
Despite signs of progress, Iranian officials maintain that major differences remain unresolved and that expectations of an imminent agreement are premature.
