Trump Says Iran Deal Close, Tehran Says No Agreement Imminent

Iranian officials said Monday that substantial progress had been made in discussions with the United States to end the ongoing conflict, though they rejected suggestions that an agreement is near. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai stated in Tehran that a large portion of issues under discussion had reached conclusions, but he added that claims of an imminent signing lacked foundation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from New Delhi, described a solid framework on the table that could include a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and additional rounds on Iran's nuclear program. Rubio noted that American negotiators had expected updates over the weekend or Monday but stressed the need for patience, saying the administration would pursue diplomacy fully before considering other options. President Donald Trump reinforced this stance in social media posts, insisting that any deal must differ sharply from the 2015 agreement reached under Barack Obama, which he withdrew from in 2018, and warning against haste that could produce mistakes.

The reported outlines leave several core disputes for later stages, including the timing and extent of sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets, and limits on Tehran's nuclear activities. US intelligence assessments have pointed to communication challenges on the Iranian side, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly operating from a secure location after an Israeli strike earlier in the conflict.

Republican lawmakers including Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Mike Pompeo have voiced strong reservations about the emerging terms, describing them as potentially damaging and likely to strengthen Iran's position. Trump responded by dismissing such critics as uninformed and reiterating his record of avoiding poor agreements.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of leverage, with the US maintaining its blockade on Iranian shipping while Iran continues to restrict most traffic. Alternative routes have allowed some Gulf producers to reroute oil exports, limiting immediate global supply disruptions, though longer-term effects on energy markets depend on whether any accord restores normal flows.

These developments reflect longstanding patterns in dealings with Iran, where incentives for delay and maximalist demands have repeatedly complicated efforts at resolution since the 1979 revolution. Both sides appear focused on avoiding concessions that could shift the balance of power, with the United States prioritizing verifiable steps over rapid announcements.