Iran Says Major Gaps Remain With US Despite Progress in Talks

(MENAFN) Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that negotiations between Iran and the United States have shown some progress, but significant disagreements are still preventing a final agreement, according to reports.

In televised remarks, Qalibaf explained that while certain issues have been resolved during discussions, key points remain unsettled and a comprehensive deal is still out of reach.

“We have reached conclusions on some issues, but there are still major gaps on others, and we are far from a final agreement,” he said.

He emphasized that Iran’s negotiating approach is based on mutual, step-by-step commitments, stressing reciprocity in any potential agreement. “It should not be that we fulfill our obligations and then the other side does nothing in return,” he said.

Qalibaf also pointed to ongoing disputes involving Iran’s nuclear program and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while reiterating that Tehran still seeks a lasting and stable peace framework. “We have goodwill for a sustainable peace,” he said.

He further claimed that the recent US-Israeli conflict failed to achieve its intended objectives, stating, “Trump did not achieve his objective of regime change and destroying our offensive and missile capabilities. Iran is not Venezuela,” according to reports.

The talks have been taking place in the context of mediation efforts involving Pakistan, which recently hosted negotiations in Islamabad. The discussions followed a temporary ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month, which paused hostilities after weeks of conflict, though diplomatic efforts toward a longer-term settlement remain ongoing.

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