Iran says no deal with US imminent despite reported progress in talks

What happened

The BBC Middle East reports that Iran has stated a deal with the US is not imminent, despite some progress in talks. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged reaching conclusions on "a large portion" of issues, but dismissed suggestions that an agreement would be signed soon. This caution counters earlier statements from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said a deal might be reached imminently, possibly by Monday.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The discussions reportedly cover a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic, and ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, key thorny issues remain unresolved, including the timing and scope of sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and Washington’s demands to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It is also unconfirmed if Iran would agree to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile as part of the deal.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal geopolitical and economic flashpoint, as Iran had effectively closed it during the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory in February. The reported deal's potential to reopen this crucial waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas pass, briefly eased global oil prices and improved Asian stock markets on hopes of peace.

Known from the source

• Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai stated that a deal with the US is not imminent despite progress on many issues.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a deal could possibly be reached soon but cautioned against reading too much into the timing.
• Reported negotiation points include a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and further nuclear talks.
• The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February, triggering wider regional conflict.
• Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, which contributed to rising oil prices.

What remains unclear

Yet, domestic opposition within the US Republican Party, including influential senators, criticizes the reported deal as too lenient on Iran and potentially undermining the recent military operations in the region. President Trump defended the negotiations, promising either a "great and meaningful" deal or no deal at all. Meanwhile, industry experts warn that normalized maritime and supply chain activities could take months even if a deal is finalized.

What remains unclear: Whether a formal agreement has been reached and its signed status. Specifics on how frozen Iranian funds and sanctions relief will be handled. Verification of Iran’s commitment or willingness to hand over highly enriched uranium. Current operational status of the Strait of Hormuz and the timeline for reopening.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Middle East. Open the source.