Deal with US not imminent, Iran says

May 25, 2026

The United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations over a potential deal, with both sides reporting progress but disagreeing on how close an agreement actually is. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a deal might be reached imminently, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman cautioned that significant issues remain unresolved despite progress on many points. The proposed memorandum of understanding would include a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, and a framework for future nuclear negotiations, though contentious details about sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program would be addressed later.

Who is affected

Iran and the United States (primary negotiating parties)
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei (injured in Israeli strike, reportedly in undisclosed location)
Israel (involved in strikes that sparked the conflict)
US-allied states in the Gulf (attacked by Iran during the conflict)
The global shipping industry and oil markets
Republican senators including Ted Cruz, Roger Wicker, and Lindsey Graham (critics of the deal)
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

What action is being taken

The US and Iran are conducting negotiations over a memorandum of understanding
The US is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports
Iran is blocking the Strait of Hormuz
US intelligence is monitoring Supreme Leader Khamenei's location and attempting to communicate with Iranian envoys

Why it matters

This deal matters because the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been blocking, is a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes, affecting global energy markets and supply chains. The conflict has already caused oil prices to soar globally and disrupted international shipping, with experts predicting it could take months to restore supply chains even if a deal is reached. Additionally, the negotiations address Iran's nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which raises concerns about potential nuclear weapons development and regional security stability.

What's next

Further negotiations are expected to address sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds, and demands for Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions
Iran may eventually agree to hand over its highly enriched uranium (according to some reports)
The shipping industry will remain cautious about making major operational changes even after a deal is announced
The US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed

Read full article from source: BBC