No formal US-Iran deal expected today despite Trump claims of progress: Report | Today’s news
Despite US President Donald Trump indicating that the deal between Washington and Tehran was “largely negotiated”, a senior US administration official said a formal agreement was not expected on Sunday as negotiations on key elements remained unresolved, according to CNN.
Citing administration officials, the news outlet said several key components of the proposed arrangement are still under discussion as the two sides continue to work to finalize a framework aimed at easing tensions in West Asia.
Iran agrees in principle to reopening the Strait of Hormuz
According to the newspaper, a US administration official said Iran had agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and dispose of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of the evolving negotiations with Washington.
But officials said important details remain unresolved, including the mechanism for disposing of the uranium stockpile and the duration of any future moratorium on uranium enrichment.
The official also noted that sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets would only be considered after Tehran complies with commitments related to reopening the strait and curbing aspects of its nuclear program.
The exact financial value of any rescue package has also not yet been determined.
Trump says US won’t ‘rush into deal’
The latest development came shortly after Trump said Washington would not “rush into a deal” with Iran and insisted pressure on Tehran would continue until a final deal was finalized and signed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US “blockade” of Iranian ports would remain in place.
“Negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner and I have informed my representatives not to rush a deal while it is on our side,” Trump wrote.
“The embargo will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, confirmed and signed. Both sides need to take their time and get this right.”
Trump attacks Obama-era nuclear deal
Trump has also sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama.
“One of the worst deals our country has ever entered into was the Iran nuclear deal, which was put forward and signed by Barack Hussein Obama and rank-and-file amateurs in the Obama administration,” he added. Trump wrote.
“It was a direct path to Iran developing a nuclear weapon.”
Trump argued that the negotiations currently being conducted by his administration were fundamentally different.
“Not so with the deal the Trump administration is currently negotiating with Iran – in fact, THE EXACT OPPOSITE!” he declared.
Trump says relations with Iran ‘productive’
Despite the tough stance, Trump indicated that relations between Washington and Tehran had improved during the ongoing negotiations.
“There can be no mistakes! Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional and productive,” he wrote.
“However, they must understand that they cannot develop or acquire a nuclear weapon or bomb.”
Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes and has denied that it is seeking nuclear weapons.
Earlier claims of a breakthrough
On Saturday, Trump said the deal between Washington and Tehran had been “largely negotiated.”
He also said the United States is in discussions with leaders from many countries about regional peace and security efforts related to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
However, CNN reported that officials remain uncertain whether the current draft framework will ultimately result in a final and binding agreement between the two sides.
The ongoing negotiations come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Read also | Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional, Trump says
Pezeshkian says no decision was made in Iran without the approval of the Supreme Leader
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no major decision in the Islamic Republic is taken without the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as Tehran continues diplomatic talks with Washington.
During a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Pezeshkian said that all positions taken by the government must be in line with the views of the Supreme Leader and the country’s national security institutions.
“No decision” outside of the Supreme Leader
“I have always tried to ensure that no statement was made that contradicted the opinion of the Supreme Leader or that no position was taken that would incite discord among the pillars of governance and allow the enemy to take advantage of it,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement issued by his office.
The Iranian president added that all major political decisions, especially those related to diplomacy and foreign affairs, are taken within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and with the approval of the Supreme Leader.
“No decision in the Islamic Republic of Iran will be made outside the framework of the Supreme National Security Council and without the coordination and permission of the Supreme Leader,” he said.
“And when a decision is made in the field of diplomacy, all institutions, platforms and movements must support it so that a single and coherent voice from the Islamic Republic of Iran is conveyed to the world.”
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States aimed at easing regional tensions and potentially reaching a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and security issues in West Asia.
Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful
According to Press TV, Pezeshkian also reiterated that Iran remains willing to assure the international community that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
“We are ready to assure the world that we do not seek nuclear weapons and we do not seek unrest in the region,” he said.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes, including energy production, medical applications and scientific research.
Tehran says these activities are permitted under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran accuses Israel of fueling instability
Pezeshkian also accused Israel of contributing to instability in the region.
“It is the Israeli regime that uses every opportunity to keep war and instability alive,” he said, according to Press TV.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Read also | Trump tells Netanyahu no deal with Iran without dismantling nuclear program: Report
