The United States and Iran appeared closer to reaching a major agreement on Sunday that could ease months of tensions in West Asia, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and introduce new restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, disagreements over uranium enrichment and regional influence still remain.
US President Donald Trump said discussions were moving forward positively and stressed that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. He also stated that the US blockade linked to the conflict would continue until an agreement is finalised.
The remarks came amid intense diplomatic discussions between the US, Israel and Iran after nearly three months of conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and unsettled global markets.
Speaking alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that a breakthrough could come soon. He said recent discussions had helped shape a possible framework aimed at restoring stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has consistently maintained that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains its top priority. Rubio reiterated that Tehran must never possess such weapons.
Reports by Axios, CNN and The New York Times said negotiators are working on a proposed 60-day ceasefire that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and allow wider negotiations on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite signs of progress, Iran signalled that key issues are still unresolved. The Iranian Embassy in Delhi said the country has a legitimate right to peaceful nuclear technology and would not give up that right. Iranian state media also challenged Trump’s remarks that the Strait would fully reopen under the proposed deal.
