US–Iran Deal in Doubt as Conflicting Signals Emerge

Conflicting statements from Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators have cast uncertainty over the status and timing of a proposed US–Iran peace framework, with officials on both sides offering sharply diverging accounts of progress.

The mixed messaging has raised questions over whether weeks of diplomatic negotiations are nearing a breakthrough or remain stalled by political and technical disagreements.

Iran’s Fars News Agency, citing sources close to the negotiating team, reported that Tehran has not yet reached or announced any final decision on the memorandum of understanding being discussed. The report highlighted internal resistance from hardline factions who argue that any agreement could weaken Iran’s strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions were further heightened after remarks from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator, who signalled growing frustration with the talks. Following reported Israeli strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, he suggested there was little value in continuing negotiations under current conditions, accusing Washington of failing to ensure its commitments were upheld.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also pushed back against expectations of an imminent signing, stating that no fixed date has been set and rejecting claims that an agreement would be finalised within days. Iranian officials, however, continue to maintain that discussions are ongoing and that no final decision has been made.

In contrast, US President Donald Trump has struck an optimistic tone, saying a deal is “scheduled to be signed” on Sunday. He also suggested that the Strait of Hormuz would be open to all immediately following any agreement, framing the potential deal as a significant regional breakthrough.

Trump has repeatedly signalled that a diplomatic breakthrough is close, despite earlier delays and shifting timelines since an April truce. His latest remarks, however, come amid growing skepticism from Iranian officials who continue to emphasise that negotiations are still in progress.

The divergence in public messaging underscores a widening gap between diplomatic optimism and political caution, even as multiple mediators suggest an agreement could be reached within days. For now, the status of the proposed US–Iran deal remains unclear, with both sides presenting markedly different interpretations of the talks’ progress.