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.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
Typhoon Bavi churned southeast of Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, its winds easing overnight to just shy of 200 kph (124 mph), as authorities urged residents to stock up on supplies and brace for what could be the most powerful typhoon since 2024.
Iran planned to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump, according to intelligence shared with Washington by Israel, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not want to engage with Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership "sick people".
Wednesday marks the fifth day of the massive public farewell funeral processions of its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli air strike in February.
The U.S. says it has launched strikes on Iran after alleged attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington described the action as a response to threats against civilian shipping and a breach of the ceasefire.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment