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Tehran Stalls on Deal as Trump Administration Keeps Pressure on Iranian Regime

Despite optimistic signals from Washington, Iranian officials claim a final agreement is not imminent as the U.S. maintains a strict blockade.

Foreign PolicyPublished May 25, 2026 at 11:17 AMProcessed May 25, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Iranians gather outside the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Mosque during an event to commemorate those killed in the current US-Israeli wa

The Iranian regime is signaling that a deal with the United States is not yet within reach, despite recent comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting an agreement could be finalized shortly.

While Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged progress on several points, he insisted that no one should claim an agreement is imminent. The proposed framework reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane that Iran has illegally obstructed.

President Trump has maintained a firm stance, stating he has instructed negotiators not to rush into any agreement that does not serve American interests. The administration’s blockade of Iranian ports remains in full effect, a necessary measure to ensure Tehran understands that its pursuit of nuclear weapons will not be tolerated.

The potential deal has drawn scrutiny from some Republican lawmakers who warn against leniency, with Senator Roger Wicker cautioning that a ceasefire must not undermine the gains made during Operation Epic Fury.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that communication with Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been hampered by his current status in hiding following Israeli strikes. As the world watches, President Trump has made his position clear: the deal will either be meaningful and secure, or there will be no deal at all.

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iranforeign-policydonald-trumpmiddle-eastnuclear-proliferation

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