Iran reacts to US peace talks progress reports: ‘Agreement not imminent’

Iran on Monday reacted to the widely circulating reports encapsulating the progress made on Tehran-Washington peace talks and potential agreement.

The Iranian foreign ministry confirmed that both countries have made some breakthroughs on many issues in exchange over a deal for ending the months-long war in the Middle East.

According to Esmaeil Baqaei, the foreign ministry spokesman, “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion.”

Clearing the confusion about the confirmation of the peace deal, he stated, “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent -- no one can make such a claim.” Such claims only highlight the contradictory claims of Washington, he said.

The remarks from Iran come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the “pretty solid” proposal is under consideration in the midst of continuing efforts to reach an agreement with Iran.

During the press conference, Baqaei also shed light on the framework which is being drafted. The framework is focused on ending the war across the region including Lebanon, he explained.

The key clauses in the framework also touch on ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. It will also include the transit arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz.

"US actions under the title of a naval blockade must be stopped, and at the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran will take the necessary measures for safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

When it comes to agreement on nuclear talks, Iranians officials discarded any possibility of discussing this issue before finalizing this framework.

Iran is also looking to generate revenue from the Strait of Hormuz. Previously it was reported that Iran and Oman were engaged in talks to create a system for collecting fees from ships passing through waterways.

According to Iran, "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, adding that Iran was "not seeking to collect tolls".