New Delhi/Tehran/Washington: Hopes of a quick breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States appeared subdued on Monday, as both sides signaled that negotiations were still far from producing a final agreement despite recent diplomatic movement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during his visit to India, said Washington remained committed to giving diplomacy a fair chance but warned that alternative measures could still be considered if talks failed to deliver results.
Rubio stated that discussions were continuing around a possible framework involving maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz and broader negotiations linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. However, he stressed that any understanding would require careful negotiation rather than a rushed settlement.
His remarks came a day after President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing but insisted that both sides needed time to finalise a meaningful agreement. Trump also confirmed that restrictions on Iranian maritime movement would remain in place until a formal deal is reached and officially implemented.
Meanwhile, Iran also tempered expectations of an immediate resolution. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions were currently focused on ending the conflict rather than directly addressing nuclear matters. While acknowledging that a negotiation framework exists, he said no final agreement was close at this stage.
Baghaei further clarified that no detailed arrangement had yet been finalised regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.
Despite the cautious tone from officials, global oil markets reacted positively to signs of continued diplomacy, with crude prices reportedly falling amid hopes that tensions could ease in the region.
However, several major disagreements continue to complicate negotiations. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear activities, demands for sanctions relief, access to frozen financial assets, and wider regional tensions involving Israel and Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East.
According to senior US administration officials quoted in reports, Iran has shown willingness in principle to reopen maritime access in exchange for easing of American naval restrictions. Discussions are also believed to include the future handling of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Iran has repeatedly denied accusations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes.
The conflict, which escalated earlier this year, has had major geopolitical and economic consequences, including rising fuel costs and instability across the region. Although a fragile ceasefire has held in recent weeks, concerns remain over whether negotiations can produce a lasting resolution.
Analysts say any successful agreement could help stabilise global energy markets and reduce military tensions, though significant challenges remain before a comprehensive settlement can be achieved.
