Iran Says US Deal Not Imminent After Strikes and Trump Ultimatum

Iran’s spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that many issues in the talks have been settled, but he warned that calling an agreement imminent is unfounded. He noted that future management of the Strait of Hormuz would be decided by Oman and Iran through fees for navigational services, not tolls. Baghaei also said a ceasefire in Lebanon must be part of any memorandum that would let Iran allow commercial shipping through the strait and lead the US to lift its port blockade. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that linking the Abraham Accords to the Iran deal would not make it more palatable for Israel, describing the arrangement as disturbing for the region. He said the Israeli government’s influence in Washington is at an all‑time low.

Baghaei added that while a large portion of the issues are resolved, claiming the signing of an agreement is imminent cannot be made. U.S. Central Command said its forces struck southern Iran in self‑defense, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines. President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, said the Iran deal would either be "great and meaningful" or there would be no deal at all.

The mixed signals show that diplomatic progress exists alongside military activity, keeping the situation volatile. Iran’s insistence on linking a Lebanon ceasefire and Hormuz fees to any deal suggests it wants broader regional concessions before moving forward. The US strikes, described as defensive, indicate that military pressure remains a tool while negotiations continue. Trump’s all‑or‑nothing framing raises the stakes for both sides, leaving little room for incremental compromises.

Observers should monitor whether the Strait of Hormuz fee arrangement advances, if any further US strikes occur, and whether Trump’s push for broader Abraham Accords participation gains traction among regional governments.