Progress in US–Iran talks, but agreement still uncertain

International Desk. PNN

Iran and the United States have made some progress in ongoing diplomatic talks, but reaching a final agreement is still a long way off, said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament and chief negotiator.

In a statement broadcast on state television on Saturday night, he said that although some positive progress has been made in the discussions between the two sides, significant disagreements still remain on several important issues. He indicated that more time will be needed to reach a final agreement.

On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the US position, saying that there is no legal justification for taking away Iran’s nuclear rights. He questioned how it could be acceptable to restrict the rights of a country that has committed no crime.

The biggest complication in the talks between the two countries has been Iran’s nuclear program and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Since a large portion of the world’s oil passes through this strait, analysts believe it is being used as an important pressure point in the negotiations.

Recently, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard temporarily reopened the strait, but later imposed restrictions again. They claimed that the United States had continued naval blockades on Iranian ports, forcing them to take this step.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has made multiple contradictory statements. On one hand, he has spoken about progress in the talks, but on the other hand, he has warned that military action could resume if an agreement is not reached within the deadline.

It is noted that the current ceasefire is expected to expire on Wednesday. However, no clear initiative to extend it has been seen so far. As a result, despite some progress in talks, concerns about renewed tension and conflict are increasing.