Iran's Top Negotiator Says Final Agreement with U.S. Remains Distant

Tehran. Senior Iranian negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stated that while there has been some progress in ongoing talks with the United States, a final agreement remains far off.

He said, 'Progress has been made in the talks, but we are still far from reaching a final conclusion.'

Accusing the U.S. of waging an information war, he added, 'Media warfare is an important part of the war to shape public opinion, and the Iranian people will not be influenced by such maneuvers.'

Previously, Iran warned that it would take retaliatory measures if the U.S. did not lift the maritime blockade targeting its ports. Al Jazeera reported that Iran has also published conditions for vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified remarks previously made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Citing the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Al Jazeera reported Baghaei as saying, 'Iran will only permit vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz according to its pre-determined routes.'

Furthermore, Speaker Ghalibaf signaled Iran's control over the strategically vital strait, an issue considered sensitive due to its link to regional tensions.

Last week, Ghalibaf traveled to Pakistan for peace talks with the U.S., where he met with an American delegation. That team included U.S. Vice President JD Vance.