By Zoila Palma: Iran says progress has been made in ongoing discussions with the United States, but officials caution that an agreement is not close to being finalized. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said today that while many issues have been addressed, it would be premature to suggest a deal is imminent.
“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqai said in Tehran. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no-one can make such a claim.”
His remarks followed comments from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said a possible agreement could emerge as early as Monday, though he urged caution, BBC reports.
The proposed memorandum of understanding reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and plans for continued negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. President Donald Trump suggested over the weekend that the two sides were nearing an agreement, although he later said negotiators had been instructed “not to rush into” a deal. Rubio, speaking in New Delhi, said, “We thought we might have some news last night. Maybe today,” while noting that it takes time to hear back from Iran.
Reports indicate the proposed arrangement would not represent a final settlement, leaving major issues unresolved, including sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and U.S. demands for Iran to limit its nuclear activities. CBS News reported that U.S. intelligence believes Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in an undisclosed location after being injured in an Israeli strike that killed his father and predecessor, potentially complicating communication and slowing negotiations.
The reported agreement has also divided Republicans in the United States. Senator Ted Cruz described it as “a disastrous mistake,” while Senator Roger Wicker argued that a ceasefire would undermine gains made during Operation Epic Fury.
Senator Lindsey Graham questioned the rationale for the conflict if Iran remained influential in the region.
Trump dismissed critics as “losers,” insisting that any agreement “will either be a great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal.”
The post International News: Iran says deal with U.S. not yet imminent despite progress in talks appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Iran says progress has been made in ongoing discussions with the United States, but officials caution that an agreement is not close to being finalized. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said today that while many issues have been addressed, it would be premature to suggest a deal is imminent. “It is correct
The post International News: Iran says deal with U.S. not yet imminent despite progress in talks appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
