Iran Rejects Reports of Near Deal With US, Says Proposal Still Under Review

Iran has denied reports claiming it is close to reaching a fresh agreement with the United States to end recent hostilities, saying no new written messages have been exchanged between the two sides.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency called the reports ‘fabricated’. It alleged that the reports aimed to influence international markets and lower oil prices rather than reflect the actual status of negotiations.

The agency said Tehran has not yet formally responded to the latest American message reportedly delivered through Pakistan.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposal from Washington is still being examined and that Iran will issue a response only after completing its review process.

Last week, Iran reportedly sent a 14-point counterproposal to Washington through Pakistan after receiving a nine-point US framework related to ending the conflict. Iranian authorities later acknowledged receiving a reply from the US side.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, criticised a recent Axios report. He said the report reflected ‘a US wish list rather than reality’.

Rezaei added that Iran would not bow to pressure. He warned of a strong response in case of any attack or provocation.

According to the Axios report, officials discussed a possible suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. In return, Washington could offer sanctions relief.

The report also suggested that both countries could reduce restrictions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The duration of any proposed suspension remains unresolved, with suggestions ranging between five and 20 years.

Tasnim News Agency reported ongoing GPS disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz for a third straight day. Some vessel tracking systems reportedly showed ships appearing on land because of the disruptions.

Tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel escalated after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28.

Iranian officials said the attacks killed senior leaders and civilians, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran later launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US-linked interests in the region. It also tightened oversight over the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire came into effect on April 8, but negotiations held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 concluded without any breakthrough.

Following the collapse of talks, the United States imposed a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

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