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Iran Reports Progress in US Talks But Says Final Deal Still Distant

Iran's Parliament Speaker has stated that while there has been progress in discussions with the United States, significant differences persist and a final agreement is not imminent. He claimed Iran agreed to the current temporary ceasefire only after Washington acknowledged its conditions, asserting Iran maintained an upper hand. Concurrently, Iran's security council announced it is determined to control and supervise traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz. The statement outlined measures including demanding vessel information, issuing permits, and charging fees for passage.

Key Points: Iran: Progress in US Talks, But Far From Final Agreement

  • Talks show progress but key gaps remain
  • Temporary ceasefire set to expire April 22
  • Iran claims US accepted its demands for ceasefire
  • Iran asserts control over strategic Strait of Hormuz
2 min read

Iran says 'progress' in US talks, but 'far from final discussion'

Iran's Parliament Speaker says talks with US show progress but key gaps remain. Ceasefire expires April 22. Iran asserts control over Strait of Hormuz.

"We are still far from the final discussion. - Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf"

Tehran, April 19

Iran has indicated that there has been "progress" in its ongoing discussions with the United States, though it stressed that a final agreement is still a long way off, with the current two-week ceasefire due to expire on April 22, according to local media reports on Sunday.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, said in a televised address on Saturday (local time) that significant differences continue to persist between the two sides.

"There are many gaps and some fundamental points remain," Ghalibaf said, underlining that negotiations have yet to reach a decisive stage.

"We are still far from the final discussion," he added, signalling that while dialogue is ongoing, a comprehensive settlement has not yet been achieved.

Ghalibaf also asserted that Iran had maintained an upper hand during the recent weeks of conflict and suggested that Tehran agreed to the temporary ceasefire only after its conditions were acknowledged by Washington.

"If we accepted the ceasefire, it was because they accepted our demands," he said, referring to the United States.

Emphasising Iran's strategic position, he said the US had failed to accomplish its objectives, while Iran continued to exercise control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy supplies.

"The enemy's every effort was to impose its demands on us, and it is important that we register our rights, so this is where negotiation is a method of struggle," Ghalibaf said.

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said that the country is determined to exercise control and supervision over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and a lasting peace is achieved in the region.

The statement, reported by Iranian media, came after Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced earlier on Saturday the resumption of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, citing the continuation of US naval blockade against Iran.

The SNSC said it will control the strait by demanding vessel information, issuing passage permits, charging fees for security and environmental services, and directing traffic according to its regulations and wartime protocols, Xinhua news agency reported.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Iran is playing a smart game. They know their geographical advantage. But the US won't back down easily. For us in India, rising tensions in the Gulf mean rising petrol prices. It's our common man who suffers the most. 😔
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Arjun K
While I understand Iran's stance, charging fees for passage and controlling traffic unilaterally sets a dangerous precedent. It's essentially holding global trade hostage. The international community, including India, should advocate for freedom of navigation as per international law.
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Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. It's clear both sides are posturing. "Progress" but "far from final" is classic negotiation talk. The real test is after April 22. Hope our diplomats in Washington and Tehran are working overtime to protect our interests.
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Vikram M
The part about Iran having the "upper hand" seems like propaganda for domestic audience. The US has immense power. But yes, controlling the Strait gives Iran significant leverage. India has good relations with both; we must use that to be a voice for de-escalation.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, my main concern is the stability of the region. Many of our citizens work in the Gulf. Any conflict spills over and affects their safety and our remittances. Dialogue is the only way. Jai Hind.

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