Iran and the United States remain far from reaching a peace agreement, Iranian officials said, despite what both sides have described as ongoing discussions.
According to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, negotiations have seen “some progress” but are still “far from final discussion,” indicating that major gaps remain unresolved.
The talks appear to be stalled largely over Iran’s nuclear programme and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Tehran has warned that the waterway will remain closed if Washington does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said there had been “very good conversations” with Iranian officials. However, he criticised Iran’s move to shut the strait, describing it as “blackmail” and a threat to global stability.
Neither side has provided detailed information about the current state of negotiations, and key aspects of any potential agreement remain unclear. The lack of transparency has raised uncertainty about whether a breakthrough is possible in the coming days.
Tensions escalated further after two Indian-flagged oil tankers reported gunfire incidents shortly after Iran moved to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz. The circumstances of the incidents have not been independently verified.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have said the strait, which previously handled around one-fifth of global oil shipments, will stay closed until US restrictions on Iranian vessels are lifted.
The developments come as the deadline for a ceasefire linked to the wider conflict approaches, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts but also increasing the risk of further escalation if talks fail.