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Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Monday that Tehran and Washington had reached conclusions on a large portion of the issues under discussion, but that no one could claim a deal signing was imminent, citing U.S. institutional vacillation in positions.
He said nuclear issues would only be discussed after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, warned Israel may try to undermine the talks, and noted that Iran would collect fees for "navigational services" in the Strait of Hormuz rather than tolls.
"It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion," Baghaei said.
"But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent, no one can make such a claim, because U.S. political decision-making has been afflicted with institutionalized vacillation. We are witnessing repeated shifts in positions. This makes any negotiation process problematic," he added.
"Just as we acted with authority on the battlefield, we will work in the diplomatic arena with open eyes, keeping past experiences in mind, to protect Iran's national interests," Baghaei noted.
Baghaei was explicit on the nuclear file.
"At this stage, we are not talking about the nuclear issue and our focus is on ending the war. The 14-point memorandum of understanding is focused on ending the war," he said.
He confirmed that if an MoU were finalized, some of its details and other subjects, including the nuclear issue, would be negotiated during a subsequent 60-day period.
"In this phase we are not talking about the nuclear details," he said.
This directly contradicts U.S. official statements and reporting suggesting the draft deal includes Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate enrichment suspension.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that Iran was not imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz but was collecting fees for navigational services.
"The services that are provided, navigational services in addition to the measures necessary to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, require the collection of certain fees," he said.
"We are not seeking to collect tolls," Baghaei added.
He said management of the waterway belonged to coastal countries and that Iran was in contact with neighboring states to provide security in the strait and protect their interests.
"Iran and Oman both support the use of the strait for free trade and safe passage," he said.
A deputy foreign minister had traveled to Oman to discuss creating a safe transit mechanism.
Baghaei explicitly flagged the risk of Israeli interference, saying, "The Zionist entities are doing their best to undermine the agreement, and we do expect some actions by Israel."
"Nothing is ruled out. However, those countries calling for war and hostilities, the Zionist entities included, are widely felt in the media, and they may have a bearing on U.S. officials," he added.
He also said Lebanon was part of the potential MoU: "Lebanon will be one of the elements of the potential agreement."
Baghaei reiterated there were "no guarantees" the U.S. would honor any deal it signed.
The U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions, remained the reference point for Iranian skepticism.
Iran has insisted that at least a portion of its estimated $20-30 billion in frozen overseas assets be released upfront before any MoU is signed.
We will not allow the issue of asset release to be handed over to vague and illusory promises," he said.
Baghaei said China had an "effective role" in the negotiations to end the war, noting a strategic partnership with Beijing and that China's president had announced a four-point plan for regional security that Iran valued.
He said Iran's deputy foreign minister had met with the Chinese and Russian ambassadors the previous day to review the latest developments.
He also praised Türkiye's role by stating, "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the role of all neighboring and regional countries in helping reduce tensions and reach an agreement. Türkiye has always made valuable and effective efforts in this regard."
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