Iran says 'understandings reached' with US on most issues

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that Tehran has reached understandings with the United States on the majority of issues under discussion, as relevant institutions conduct final internal reviews of a proposed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Speaking on state television, Baghaei stated that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's earlier remarks accurately reflected the current state of negotiations. "At present, understanding has been reached on the majority of the issues, and we are in the final stage of internal reviews," Baghaei said.

Hours earlier, Araghchi had posted on the social media platform X that the proposed agreement "has never been closer," urging media outlets to refrain from speculation until the process is finalized. Baghaei noted that meetings involving relevant Iranian institutions were underway to examine the draft text and determine Tehran's final position.

Tehran accuses Washington of shifting positions

Baghaei argued that an agreement could have been reached weeks ago, but accused the US side of repeatedly changing its positions, issuing contradictory statements and introducing new demands that prolonged the process.

He also rejected accusations that Iran lacked goodwill in the negotiations, saying Tehran had consistently approached the talks in a constructive manner. Baghaei noted that the decision-making process requires consensus among relevant authorities before any position is finalized.

Officials reject speculation on deal contents

The spokesman declined to confirm media reports regarding the contents of the negotiations. "None of the published reports can be officially confirmed," he said, adding that details would be announced once a final conclusion is reached.

Baghaei emphasized that all relevant institutions must review the draft text before authorities can approve any agreement.

Islamabad talks address Hormuz, nuclear program

The Pakistan-mediated negotiations have focused on ending hostilities between Iran and the United States, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic and reaching consensus on Iran's nuclear program.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said a large portion of the text has already been agreed upon, while accusing Washington of slowing progress through shifting positions and contradictory statements.