Iran’s top negotiator has said recent talks with the United States have shown progress, but that major differences remain over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside escalating regional instability.
The comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump cited what he called “very good conversations” with Tehran, while also warning against what he described as “blackmail” over the strategic shipping route.
No detailed information has been released by either side on the latest round of discussions, which reportedly took place last weekend, just days before a fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is due to expire.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said there had been some movement in talks, but key gaps persist.
“We have had progress but there is still a big distance between us,” he said in remarks carried by state media.
“There are some issues on which we insist. They also have red lines. But these issues could be just one or two,” Qalibaf stated.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor handling around one-fifth of global oil shipments before the conflict, has become a central point of contention in the wider crisis.
Iran has moved to reassert control over the waterway amid the war, which has disrupted maritime traffic and contributed to volatility in global energy markets.
Tehran has linked its actions to what it calls a continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as a breach of ceasefire terms.
Iranian officials have also said the country is entitled to impose costs for maritime security and environmental protection services in the strait.
Trump, meanwhile, has accused Iran of “blackmail”, while continuing to defend U.S. pressure measures.
Security concerns in the region intensified after at least two vessels reported coming under attack while transiting the waterway on Saturday.
India summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi following reports that two Indian-flagged ships were fired upon.
Shipping sources said thousands of seafarers and hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting safe passage.
The Iran war, now in its eighth week, has killed thousands and expanded across multiple fronts, including Israeli operations in Lebanon.
An Israeli soldier was killed and several others injured in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Sunday (19 April).
Oil prices have fluctuated sharply during the conflict, falling about 10% in a recent session after reports of possible resumed maritime access through the strait.
Earlier discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly included proposals ranging from a multi-decade suspension of Iranian nuclear activity to shorter-term restrictions, though no agreement has been reached.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date has been set for the next round of talks, adding that a framework must first be agreed.
“There is no agreed date for the next meeting,” he said.
Trump has suggested further negotiations could take place soon, stating that the sides were “very close to making a deal”, though he also warned of renewed military action if no agreement is reached before the ceasefire deadline.
Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's...
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Min...
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 3 people and triggering tsunami warni...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know....
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for...
Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 3 people and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks.
Sirens rang out across multiple areas of Israel on Sunday night after missiles were launched from Iran towards the country, the Israeli military said. Earlier, Tehran's top negotiator in talks with the U.S. threatened to target Israeli and American assets in the region, after Israel struck Beirut.
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a phone exchange over fighting in Lebanon. The call came as the U.S. was attempting to broker an end to hostilities involving Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Monday they targeted the source of an attack on a telecom facility on Sirik Island near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Iran really wanted to make a deal with the U.S. and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment