Iran says progress made in US talks, but no deal imminent

Published 25 May, 2026 01:48pm 1 min read
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. -- Reuters
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. -- Reuters

Iran on Monday said Tehran and Washington had made progress in talks aimed at ending the war, but warned that a final agreement was not yet within reach.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the two sides had “reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” signalling movement in negotiations between the longtime rivals.

However, Baghaei pushed back against suggestions that a breakthrough deal was imminent.

“To say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent — no one can make such a claim,” he said, while also accusing Washington of shifting its positions during the negotiations.

Baghaei said conclusions ‌have been reached on many topics ​discussed in a ​potential memorandum of understanding ⁠with the US, ​but this does ​not mean Tehran is close to signing an ​agreement.

The spokesman added that Iran’s current focus in the talks is securing an end to the war, rather than discussing nuclear-related issues.

He warned that changes in the positions of US officials were complicating prospects for a final agreement.

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