U.S. and Iran Report Progress on Deal to End War but Say No Agreement Is Imminent

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the United States and Iran have a framework under discussion that would open the Strait of Hormuz and commit Iran to forgo nuclear weapons. Rubio spoke to reporters in New Delhi after President Donald Trump posted on social media that negotiators should not rush into any agreement.

Rubio described the current proposal as a “pretty solid thing on the table” that would allow time-limited talks on nuclear issues.

Background to the Talks President Donald Trump announced major combat operations against Iran on Feb. 28. A two-week ceasefire followed, but initial talks in Pakistan in April did not produce a peace deal. Trump later extended the ceasefire indefinitely and maintained a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until negotiations conclude.

Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that progress had been made on many issues but that “no one can claim that this means an imminent agreement is about to be signed.” Baghaei added that the focus remains ending the war and that details of the nuclear issue are not under discussion at this stage.

“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn't read too much into it.”

Rubio said the United States would give diplomacy every chance before exploring alternatives. He also noted that talks on Lebanon are proceeding separately.

Oil prices fell more than $5 to two-week lows on Monday. The average U.S. gas price slipped slightly to $4.51. A senior administration official said the framework would give both sides 60 days to reach a full peace deal, pushing any final deadline into late July or early August.