Iran–US talks advance as framework deal emerges

Tehran says broad understanding reached; Washington signals “possible breakthrough,” but key issues remain unresolved

Iran has announced that it has reached a broad framework understanding with the United States during ongoing negotiations, but stressed that a final agreement is not close and major issues are still being worked out.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that progress has been made on several key topics, but clarified that this does not mean an agreement is imminent. He added that the current diplomatic focus is shifting toward ending the wider conflict rather than only nuclear-related concerns.

Baghaei said Tehran is still acting cautiously, pointing to a lack of trust in U.S. commitments and warning that Iran will not be influenced by pressure or threats. He also noted that mediation efforts by Pakistan and other regional countries have helped advance indirect negotiations.

He further stated that discussions include regional security issues, including Lebanon, and coordination around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says must be jointly managed by coastal states.

On the U.S. side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested there could be “news soon,” saying negotiators are working on a time-limited framework that could reopen maritime routes and ease tensions.

Rubio said Washington is considering a phased deal that could restore shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for nuclear-related commitments from Iran, while emphasizing that any final agreement must be “strong and workable.”

Former President Donald Trump also commented on the talks, saying there is no rush to finalize a deal and insisting that any agreement must be carefully structured. He warned that U.S. restrictions on Iranian shipping would remain until a formal agreement is signed.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, continue to insist that Tehran will defend its interests and respond to any pressure at a time and manner of its choosing. Parliament spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said Iran’s approach is based on “action for action” rather than concessions under threat.

Although both sides signal movement toward a possible deal, deep disagreements remain over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment, regional conflicts, and frozen Iranian assets—leaving the outcome of negotiations still uncertain.