The United States and Iran signaled progress toward a framework agreement aimed at ending a nearly three-month standoff involving US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. Global pressure increased to prevent a wider regional conflict, and mediators said both sides were moving toward a workable de-escalation plan. US President Donald Trump said the sides were getting closer, offered no specifics, and described the odds of an agreement as solid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited slight progress and said there might be news soon, while not ruling out renewed US attacks if talks fail. Iran’s foreign ministry said a framework was being drafted, with final details expected within 30 to 60 days, and said ending the US blockade of Hormuz should be included. Rubio reiterated US demands for highly enriched uranium handover, while Iran said nuclear talks would not be part of the initial deal.
"US President Donald Trump told CBS News that the two sides were "getting a lot closer" to finalizing a deal. He refused to give specifics about the plan, but said that "every day it gets better and better." In a separate interview with US news outlet Axios, Trump said the chance of an agreement was a "solid 50/50," while threatening to "blow them to kingdom come" if talks fail."
"Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of "slight progress" in negotiations, adding that "there might be some news a little later today," although it may come on Sunday or within "a couple of days." Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio also refused to rule out a resumption of US attacks on Iran if negotiations fail."
"Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, meanwhile, told state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran was in the final stages of drafting a framework for a deal, but said a final accord would take more time. "Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded," Baqaei told IRIB. He added that major gaps remain between both sides and that an end to the US blockade of Hormuz be part of the framework."
"While Rubio restated US demands that Tehran hand over highly enriched uranium linked to Iran's controversial nuclear program, Baqaei insisted nuclear talks would not be part of the initial deal. The blockade has halted Iran's oil exports, the main source of income for the Islamic Republic."
#us-iran-negotiations #de-escalation-framework #strait-of-hormuz-blockade #nuclear-program #regional-conflict-risk
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