Iran and the United States of America (US) have reached conclusions on a “large part” of the issues under discussion, although this does not necessarily mean that an agreement is close, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday, Anadolu reports.

“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large part of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei told reporters, according to the state agency. of Iran news, IRNA.

“But to say that this means the imminent signing of an agreement, no one can make such a claim,” he added.

Baqaei said that the developments reported in recent days are the result of several weeks of negotiations mediated through Pakistan, adding that other countries have also made significant efforts during the process.

Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei said that responsibility for managing the strategic waterway rests with coastal states.

He said Tehran remains in contact with countries bordering the Strait of Hormuz in efforts to maintain security and protect their interests.

His comments followed comments by US President Donald Trump on Saturday that a deal with Iran to end the conflict had been “largely negotiated” and that he expected finalization.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Persian Gulf, along with closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended indefinitely by Trump.

Source: prizrenpost