Iran signals progress in US talks but warns peace deal is not imminent
Tehran claims many issues have been resolved in discussions with Washington, but officials caution that a formal peace agreement remains distant as US President Donald Trump instructs his team to avoid rushing the process.
Iran has stated that numerous issues have been resolved in its ongoing negotiations with the United States, yet it warned that a comprehensive peace deal is not imminent. According to diplomats, while both sides express a desire for an agreement, the talks between the warring parties remain tenuous. This assessment comes amid heightened scrutiny of the diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict that began on 28 February, which effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz.
The current diplomatic landscape follows reports of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran to reopen the critical shipping route. Those reports previously drove market rallies, as investors reacted to the prospect of restored access to one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. However, enthusiasm has been tempered by uncertainty regarding the specific timing of the reopening and the finalisation of any broader agreement.
US President Donald Trump has urged caution regarding the timeline, instructing his negotiating team not to rush the process. Trump stated on social media that both sides must take their time to ensure accuracy, noting that there can be no mistakes. His comments contradict earlier suggestions that an announcement might be imminent, signalling a more measured approach from the White House as it navigates the complex negotiations.
In addition to direct talks with Tehran, Trump has reported positive discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These engagements appear to be part of a wider diplomatic strategy, although the specific impact of these regional conversations on the US-Iran negotiations has not been explicitly detailed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the overall situation as a work in progress, reflecting the cautious optimism surrounding the talks.
Separately, the US Justice Department has dropped a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, removing a legal obstacle to the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as Trump’s nominee for head of the central bank. The probe, which concerned cost overruns in renovations of the Fed’s Washington headquarters, has been transferred to the Fed’s Office of Inspector General. This development clears a path for Warsh’s confirmation, potentially reshaping the leadership of the US central bank.
