Iran said on Monday that no final agreement with the United States was close, despite progress in ongoing negotiations over the West Asia conflict. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said both countries had reached understanding on several issues. However, he stressed that the talks had not yet produced a final agreement, according to Iran International.
His statement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope earlier in the day that Washington and Tehran could soon finalise a deal. Rubio said the talks covered the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. He also said both sides were trying to reach a temporary understanding.
Iran Focuses On Ending Regional Conflict
Baghaei said Iran’s main goal is to stop the war across the region instead of discussing detailed nuclear issues immediately. He said the talks currently focus on reducing tensions and improving regional security. According to Baghaei, negotiators are trying to end the conflict “on all fronts”, including Lebanon.
He also denied reports claiming that the proposed memorandum of understanding included detailed plans for managing the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said countries along the coastline should jointly manage the strategic waterway. He also rejected claims that Iran planned to impose tolls on ships passing through the strait.
Nuclear Talks May Begin Later
Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency quoted a senior Iranian diplomat as saying that nuclear discussions could happen during a second phase of negotiations.
The diplomat said this would happen only if the first stage succeeds and the United States fulfils its commitments. According to the official, the proposed 60-day talks could focus on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
In exchange, Iran expects sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran. The diplomat also said Iran and Oman are discussing the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is currently holding talks with Muscat on the issue.
Strait Of Hormuz Remains Key Issue
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important issues in the negotiations. Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes through the strategic waterway. Rubio said keeping the strait open remains a major part of the discussions. He also expressed hope that both sides could reach an agreement.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continued to comment publicly on the negotiations. Trump said on Saturday that a deal had been “largely negotiated”. Later, however, he warned officials not to rush into an agreement.