Iran says it has made progress in negotiations with the United States, but officials made it clear that a final agreement is still not close. The statement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that both sides could reach an understanding soon.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said many important issues had already been discussed and partly resolved. However, he stressed that no one should expect an immediate agreement. According to Iranian officials, several key matters still need more negotiation before any official deal can be signed.
Talks Focus on Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz
Reports suggest the proposed understanding includes a 60 day extension of the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and continuing talks about Iran’s nuclear programme. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes because nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it.
US President Donald Trump recently hinted that both countries were moving closer to a deal. At the same time, he also said he instructed negotiators not to move too quickly during discussions.
Speaking in Delhi, Rubio said the US expected possible developments soon but added that talks with Iran were still taking time. He explained that communication delays on the Iranian side had slowed the process.
Leadership Challenges Delay Negotiations
According to reports from US media, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently staying in a secure undisclosed location after reportedly suffering injuries during an Israeli strike earlier in the conflict. The situation has reportedly made communication with Iranian negotiators more difficult.
Sources also claim the current proposal is only a temporary arrangement and not a complete peace agreement. Major issues remain unresolved, including sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets, and restrictions linked to Iran’s nuclear activities.
Oil Prices Fall as Markets React Positively
Global oil prices dropped sharply after news of possible progress between Washington and Tehran. Asian stock markets also showed gains as investors hoped tensions in the Middle East could ease in the coming weeks.
Despite growing optimism, several Republican lawmakers criticised the possible agreement. Senator Ted Cruz called the reported plan a dangerous mistake, while Senator Lindsey Graham questioned whether the deal would strengthen Iran’s influence in the region.
Trump dismissed criticism from members of his own party and said any agreement with Iran would either become meaningful and successful or would not happen at all.
Shipping Industry Remains Careful
Experts say the global shipping industry may take months to fully recover even if both countries announce a deal soon. Shipping companies remain cautious because supply chains and trade routes in the region have faced major disruptions during the crisis.
Industry analysts believe businesses will wait for long term stability before making large operational changes in international shipping routes.
