Iran warns US deal still not within reach

Iran issued a warning Monday that a deal with the United States to end the Middle East war remains elusive, despite recent progress and earlier optimism that sent world oil prices tumbling. The mixed messages from Washington and Tehran have created uncertainty about the timeline for a resolution.

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No one can make such a claim.

Top US diplomat Marco Rubio had suggested a deal could be reached within the day, sparking renewed hope. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman quickly dismissed such claims, stating, "No one can make such a claim." This statement tempered expectations for an immediate breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government is actively mediating between the US and Iran, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This diplomatic engagement highlights the international efforts to broker peace in the region.

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We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open. We’re either going to have a good agreement or we’re going to have to deal with it another way. We’d prefer to have a good agreement.

US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since April 8, while diplomats work towards a negotiated settlement. However, Iran continues to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the US Navy maintains a blockade on Iranian ports. Rubio indicated that the US has a "pretty solid thing on the table" regarding opening the straits, but stressed that the US would "prefer to have a good agreement" rather than resort to other means.

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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.

Iranian officials acknowledged reaching conclusions on a large portion of the issues under discussion but cautioned against predicting an imminent signing of an agreement. They clarified that Iran would continue to manage maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by charging service fees, which they described as necessary for navigational and environmental protection services, rather than tolls. President Trump had previously advised his negotiators not to rush, stating "time is on our side," and emphasized that any deal would need to be "good and proper."

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The services that are provided, navigational services in addition to the measures necessary to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, require the collection of certain fees.