Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that some progress has been made in negotiations with the United States, mediated by Pakistan, regarding a "significant portion of the discussion topics," but this does not mean that the "signing of an agreement is imminent," UNN reports, citing Al Jazeera.
Details
"We have reached a result on a significant portion of the discussion topics. This is correct, but it does not mean that the signing of an agreement is imminent," Baghaei said.
He also stated that the negotiations are focused on ending the war, and at this stage, the parties are reportedly not discussing the details of the nuclear issue.
"At this stage, we are not talking about the nuclear issue, but are focused on ending the war," Baghaei said.
Baghaei reiterated that there are "no guarantees" that the US will fulfill its obligations regarding a potential deal, adding that Tehran is not concerned by "threats."
"The changes in recent weeks were brought about by the mediation of Pakistan and other countries," he said, adding that the talks included a point on ending the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to Baghaei, as the publication writes, "while Tehran will not charge any fees," it is "normal that the services to be provided will require payment."
He explained that the management of the waterway belongs to the coastal countries.
"We are in contact with the countries bordering the Strait of Hormuz to ensure security there and protect their interests," Baghaei said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that there are currently no plans for an official visit to Pakistan or a visit by Pakistani mediators to Tehran.
Regarding the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran and the recent phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, Baghaei stated that Israel could "undermine" the talks.
"Zionist entities are doing everything possible to undermine the deal, and we expect certain actions from Israel," he said.
"Nothing is ruled out; however, those countries calling for war and hostilities, including Zionist entities, are widely felt in the media, and they may have an influence on American officials," he added.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stated that although results on many issues in a potential memorandum of understanding with the US have been achieved, it does not mean they are close to signing an agreement.
He added that if it is finalized, some details of the memorandum and other issues, including the nuclear issue, will be discussed within 60 days thereafter.
What Pakistan says
Speaking to Chinese leaders in Beijing, where he is visiting alongside Pakistan's chief negotiator, Army Chief Asim Munir, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said regarding the peace talks: "The world is at a critical moment."
"Events are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China for its support in facilitating peace," he added.
Addendum
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that there is a "fairly solid" proposal on the negotiating table amid efforts to reach a deal with Iran, while insisting that US President Donald Trump is "not going to make a bad deal."