Iran says 'progress' in US talks, but final deal still distant

'Many gaps remain': Ghalibaf

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, said key differences persist despite initial diplomatic engagement.

“There are many gaps and some fundamental points remain. We are still far from the final discussion,” he said in a televised address.

Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation in the first round of talks held in Islamabad, asserted that Tehran entered negotiations from a position of strength.

“If we accepted the ceasefire, it was because they accepted our demands.”

He also claimed Iran maintained control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and had been “victorious in the field.”

High-stakes diplomacy, no breakthrough yet

The talks in Islamabad marked the highest-level contact between Iran and the US since the Iranian Revolution.

Iranian officials say no date has been fixed for the next round of negotiations. Tehran is prioritising a broader “framework of understanding” before committing to further discussions.

Trump: 'Very good conversations,' but tough warning

Donald Trump said discussions with Iran were ongoing and positive, but warned Tehran against escalating tensions.

“We’re talking to them… but they can’t blackmail us,” he said, referring to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also reiterated a hardline stance, warning that military action could resume if a long-term agreement is not reached before the ceasefire deadline.

Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate

Iran sent mixed signals on the status of the Strait of Hormuz—briefly declaring it open before reimposing restrictions.

The Iranian military said the waterway was under “strict management,” warning that any unauthorized crossing would be treated as cooperation with hostile forces.

The Strait is a crucial global energy corridor, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies.

Indian ships fired upon

Tensions escalated further after two Indian-flagged vessels were targeted by Iranian gunboats in the Strait.

The ships — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald — were forced to turn back after coming under fire. No injuries or damage were reported.

India strongly protested the incident, summoning Iran’s ambassador and stressing the importance of safe maritime passage.

Ceasefire clock ticking

With the ceasefire set to expire in days, uncertainty looms over whether diplomacy can prevent a renewed escalation.

Despite cautious optimism from both sides, the gap between Washington and Tehran remains significant, raising concerns about what happens if talks fail.