Iran on Monday (25) said a deal with the United States was not imminent despite progress in ongoing negotiations, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested an agreement could possibly be reached soon.

“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion. But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent — no-one can make such a claim,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said in Tehran.

According to international media reports, the proposed memorandum of understanding includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested the two sides were nearing an agreement, although he later said negotiators had been instructed “not to rush into” a deal.

Rubio told reporters in New Delhi that Washington had expected developments over the weekend, but cautioned against reading too much into delays.

US media also reported that communication difficulties involving Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may have slowed the pace of negotiations.

Reports indicate several major issues remain unresolved, including sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and US demands for Iran to limit its nuclear activities.

The possibility of a deal has reportedly divided Republicans in the United States, with several senior lawmakers publicly opposing any agreement viewed as too lenient on Iran. (Newswire)

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