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Iran claims significant strides in ending the regional war through a new framework, though officials caution that a final deal remains distant amidst shifting U.S. positions.
Iran stated on Monday that it has reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion in exchanges with Washington regarding a deal to end the war. However, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned during a weekly news briefing that an agreement is not imminent. He accused the United States of displaying "contradictions" and shifting its positions frequently, which hinders the finalization of a peace accord. The remarks follow reports that Iran is finalising a 14-point framework designed to conclude the hostilities that broke out on February 28.
The diplomatic tension comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a deal to end the war could materialize on the same day. This assertion contrasted sharply with comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who instructed his negotiators not to "rush" the process. The conflicting signals from American leadership highlight the complexity of the ongoing Iran-US negotiations. While the U.S. side presents a timeline for potential resolution, Iranian officials maintain a cautious stance, emphasizing that progress does not equal an imminent signing of a treaty.
Baqaei clarified that the framework currently being drafted is strictly focused on ending the war across the region, including in Lebanon. Crucially, the spokesman reiterated that details regarding Iran's nuclear programme were not included in this specific document. Washington has long identified the nuclear issue as a key sticking point in its relations with Tehran. Consequently, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the nuclear issue would only be discussed after the two sides first agree on the broader framework for ending the conflict. This sequencing suggests a strategic decoupling of immediate ceasefire goals from long-standing nuclear disputes.
A central component of the current negotiations involves the cessation of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, which has been in place since April 13. Baqaei stated that clauses on ending this blockade and arrangements concerning the strategic are included in the ongoing discussions. He emphasized that U.S. actions under the title of a naval blockade must be stopped immediately. Simultaneously, the Islamic Republic of Iran asserted its right to take necessary measures to ensure safe transit in the waterway. This dual demand highlights the strategic importance of the channel, which Iran has controlled since the outbreak of the war.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, has come under Iranian control since the conflict began. Iran has only allowed a trickle of ships to pass through the strait, insisting that vessels obtain permission from its armed forces before transiting the waterway. This control has disrupted global shipping patterns and raised concerns about international trade stability. The Iranian government argues that its actions are defensive and necessary for national security, yet the strict control has drawn international scrutiny.
Regarding the logistics of transit, Baqaei clarified Iran's stance on tolls. He said Iran was not imposing tolls on ships transiting the strait but rather collecting fees for "navigational services." He explained that the services provided, including navigational aid and measures to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, require the collection of certain fees. He added that Iran was "not seeking to collect tolls," attempting to distinguish between a commercial fee for services rendered and a punitive blockade measure. This distinction is critical for Iran's diplomatic narrative, as it attempts to frame its control as regulatory rather than aggressive.
The divergence between the U.S. timeline and Iran's cautious optimism suggests that the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. The inclusion of the naval blockade in the framework indicates that maritime security is a priority for Tehran. However, the exclusion of nuclear details implies that the most contentious aspects of the relationship remain unresolved. The U.S. pressure not to "rush" contrasts with the potential for a quick resolution noted by Rubio, creating a confusing diplomatic environment.
The current stalemate in Iran-US negotiations indicates that while foundational agreements on war cessation are possible, deeper issues remain unaddressed. Iran's firm grip on the Strait of Hormuz serves as both leverage and a flashpoint for potential escalation. If the naval blockade is lifted but nuclear talks remain stalled, a fragile peace may emerge, dependent on continued maritime management. Long-term stability will likely hinge on whether the 14-point framework can serve as a bridge to broader diplomatic engagement or merely a pause in hostilities. The international community must watch closely to see if Iran's navigational service fees become a sustainable model for regional security or a source of renewed tension.
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