Deal with US not imminent, Iran says

Iran has announced that while some progress has been made in negotiations with the United States, a deal is "not imminent."

Esmail Baqai, the foreign ministry spokesman, provided his comments in Tehran following statements made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that an agreement might be finalized as early as Monday.

Baqai remarked, "It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion. But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent—no one can make such a claim."

The proposed memorandum of understanding allegedly includes the extension of a 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

In recent comments, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of reaching a deal, although he later directed negotiators "not to rush into" one.

On Monday, Rubio told reporters in New Delhi, "We thought we might have some news last night. Maybe today." He also urged caution, stating, “I wouldn't read too much into it,” and noted that it takes time to receive responses from Iran.

Reports from CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, indicate that US intelligence believes Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who sustained injuries in an Israeli strike during the ongoing conflict, is presently located in an undisclosed site. This has created challenges in communication with his representatives, which may be contributing to delays in the US-Iran negotiations.

According to US media outlets, the proposed deal does not constitute a comprehensive resolution but rather defers the resolution of some of the more contentious topics for further negotiation. These include the conditions and timing of the relief of sanctions on Iran, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and US requirements for Iran to limit its nuclear aspirations.

Baqai further elaborated, stating, "So we have, what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the Straits," referring to the vital shipping route through which 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transits, which has been obstructed by Iran.

The announcement of a potential deal has led to a decline in oil prices and an upward trend in Asian stock markets as optimism surrounding an agreement increases.

However, the reported deal has caused divisions among Trump's Republican allies. Some members are expressing concern, suggesting that the proposed arrangement may be excessively lenient toward Iran.

Senator Ted Cruz condemned the deal, labelling it "a disastrous mistake," while Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed that a 60-day ceasefire would render "everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!"

Additionally, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, criticized any agreement that would allow Iran to maintain its influence in the region, questioning the original motives behind the conflict.

In response, Trump countered, asserting that he does not heed the opinions of critics who are uninformed about the situation. He stated on Truth Social, "If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one."

Even under optimistic circumstances, the impact of a deal would likely not manifest immediately. Shipping industry expert Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime and former director at Maersk, indicated that it might take months for supply chains to return to pre-crisis conditions, asserting that the industry would remain "cautious and hesitant" regarding any significant operational adjustments.

The escalation of conflict between the US and Israel against Iran commenced with extensive strikes on February 28, triggering widespread unrest across the Middle East. Iran retaliated by targeting Israel and US-aligned nations in the Gulf, leading to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which had a ripple effect on global oil prices.

Following the establishment of a ceasefire in early April, the US implemented a blockade of Iranian ports, a measure Trump has vowed to uphold until a certified and signed agreement is secured.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his stance that Iran must be made to understand that it cannot pursue the development of nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear efforts are intended solely for peaceful purposes.

According to various reports from US media, the prospective agreement may require Iran to eventually relinquish its highly enriched uranium. At the outset of the conflict, it is estimated that Iran had approximately 440 kg (970 lbs) of uranium enriched to 60%, just a short step away from reaching the 90% purity threshold necessary for nuclear weapon development.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed in remarks to state television that Iran is prepared "to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon."