Iran's chief negotiator has said Tehran will not accept any agreement with the United States (US) unless it fully protects the rights of the Iranian people. His comments came after reports claimed US President Donald Trump sent a tougher peace proposal to Iran. The development highlights the deep differences that still exist between the two countries despite weeks of negotiations.
The talks aim to end the conflict in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.
Iran Questions US Intentions
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran does not trust the United States and will not approve a deal without clear guarantees.
“We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been upheld,” Ghalibaf said during a state television broadcast.
His remarks came as reports suggested Trump had returned a revised peace framework to Tehran for further review. Any changes to the draft agreement could delay efforts to formally end the conflict and restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nuclear Dispute Remains Unresolved
Iran and the United States had already been negotiating over Tehran's nuclear programme before the conflict escalated earlier this year. In February, US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran and killed several senior leaders.
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme serves peaceful civilian purposes. However, the United States and its allies believe Tehran could use the programme to develop nuclear weapons. Trump recently repeated his demand that Iran never acquire a nuclear weapon.
“The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They’ve agreed to that, and it was very interesting,” he told Lara Trump during an interview on Fox News.
Iranian officials have challenged Trump's claims and said major disagreements remain.
Talks Continue Despite Differences
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged caution over reports surrounding the negotiations. “Until a clear conclusion is reached…everything that is being said now is speculation,” he said on state television.
Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported that both sides continue to exchange proposals and amendments. Tehran has also demanded access to $12 billion in frozen assets before holding deeper discussions on its nuclear programme.
Iranian media dismissed Trump's earlier claim that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile would be destroyed, calling the statement “baseless”.
Missile Programme Remains a Point of Tension
The United States has also targeted Iran's ballistic missile programme. Earlier this year, General Dan Caine said US strikes had damaged more than 80 percent of Iran's missile facilities.
However, recent satellite imagery suggests Iran has restored part of that infrastructure. Reports indicate that Tehran has reopened 50 of the 69 tunnel entrances damaged during strikes on 18 underground missile sites. The findings suggest Iran is rebuilding some of its military capabilities.
Fresh Incidents Raise Concerns
Although Iran and the United States agreed to a temporary ceasefire in April, tensions continue. Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guards shot down a US military drone that was approaching Iranian territorial waters. The United States has not confirmed the incident.
Disagreements also persist over the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump recently said Iran would charge “no tolls” on ships passing through the waterway under a future agreement.
However, Iran's Fars News Agency quoted sources who said “no such clause” exists in the negotiations. Iranian lawmaker Alireza Salimi said parliament will soon review a proposal that would strengthen Iran's control over the strait and allow the collection of administrative fees.
Fighting Continues in Lebanon
Iran has also demanded that any peace agreement address the situation in Lebanon. Fighting continues between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Lebanon has accused Israel of carrying out a “scorched-earth policy” as military operations expand. Although a ceasefire officially began on April 17, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. Lebanese health officials said an Israeli strike in Deir Zahrani killed eight people on Sunday, including three women.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the widening conflict after Israeli forces captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the capture “a dramatic shift.”
Uncertainty Persists
Iran and the United States continue to negotiate, but major disagreements remain. Both sides still differ on nuclear restrictions, frozen assets, missile capabilities and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
As tensions continue across the region, diplomats face growing pressure to secure an agreement and prevent further escalation.