Iran-U.S. War Talks Stall as Both Sides Temper Breakthrough Expectations
CNBC reported Monday that both Iran and the United States are pushing back against expectations of a swift resolution to their three-month-old conflict. The Iran US war talks show progress but remain far from a final agreement.
Rubio Signals Patience — and a Warning
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists in New Delhi that Washington would exhaust every diplomatic avenue before pursuing what he described as “alternatives.” The comments followed a statement from President Donald Trump on Sunday urging his negotiators not to rush. Rubio described a framework on the table covering Strait of Hormuz access and a time-limited nuclear negotiation. He said the broad shape of a potential deal was encouraging but not yet settled.
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Tehran Pushes Back on Deal Timeline
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that no one could credibly claim an agreement was imminent. He confirmed a framework had been reached but stressed that nuclear issues were not currently part of the active discussions. Baghaei also clarified that the proposed memorandum of understanding contained no specific operational terms on managing the strait, which he noted falls under the sovereignty of its coastal nations. He added that Tehran would not levy tolls on vessels passing through the waterway, though he left open the question of fees for associated maritime services.
Background: Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
Before the conflict erupted, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its closure has squeezed energy markets and rattled supply chains worldwide. Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian vessels would stay in place until a deal was “certified and signed.” A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, said Iran had agreed in principle to reopen the strait and surrender its highly enriched uranium stockpile. The method of disposal remains contested. Iranian sources separately indicated that diluting the material under UN nuclear watchdog supervision was among the feasible options being explored.
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Markets React, But Energy Crisis Lingers
Oil prices dropped roughly 5% to two-week lows on Monday as traders priced in growing optimism around a potential deal. Analysts caution the energy crisis is far from resolved. Unresolved sticking points include Iran’s nuclear program, the Lebanon conflict involving Hezbollah, and Tehran’s demand for sanctions relief and access to tens of billions in frozen oil revenues. A second administration official said any final framework would give negotiators 60 days to close a binding agreement.
