Iran Dismisses Reports of Imminent US Deal
The Iranian government has acknowledged progress and consensus with the United States on many issues in negotiations to end the war. However, Tehran has warned that a deal is unlikely to be reached imminently.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, as reported by AFP on Monday (25 May 2026), responded to Western media reports claiming Iran and the US are close to signing an agreement on extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“Indeed, we have reached conclusions on most issues under discussion,” Baghaei said at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday (25 May) local time.
“But to say this means a signing of the agreement is imminent – no one can make such a claim,” he stressed, accusing Washington of changing its position.
Baghaei emphasized that Iran will continue managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by charging service fees. He argued this does not mean Tehran is “attempting to collect tolls”.
He stated that “the services provided – navigation assistance alongside necessary measures to protect the Strait of Hormuz’s environment – also in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman – require certain fees.”
Baghaei’s remarks dampened hopes for a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict, which has global economic implications.
Western media reports, particularly US outlets like the New York Times (NYT) and Axios, had previously suggested Washington and Tehran were nearing an agreement to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The NYT report, based on a US official’s statement, said the deal still requires final approval from US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei – a process that could take several days.
Meanwhile, Axios, citing a US official familiar with the draft agreement, said the deal would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran effectively closed during the conflict.
According to the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass without toll charges.
In return, the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and impose limited sanctions exemptions allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for 60 days.
Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to India on Monday (25 May), said there would be “possible news today” regarding ceasefire negotiations.
He added that “work is ongoing” but there is “something solid on the table” in talks mediated by Pakistan.