TEHRAN, Iran: The government of Iran stated on Monday, May 25, 2026, that an agreement to end the Middle East conflict with the United States is not yet finalized.
Okay News reports that Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, dismissed assertions from American officials regarding an imminent resolution.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in New Delhi that a settlement might be reached quickly. Rubio said, “We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today,” adding, “We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open.”
Speaking at a weekly news briefing in Tehran, Baqaei denied the possibility of a fast conclusion. Baqaei said, “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” and added, “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no one can make such a claim.”
United States President Donald Trump published a statement on Truth Social confirming negotiations are ongoing. Trump said, “If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one,” and noted, “It isn’t even fully negotiated yet.” Israel‘s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he and Trump agreed that “any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear threat entirely.”
Pakistan‘s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with China‘s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Monday to discuss the negotiations. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir previously visited Tehran on Saturday to assist in the mediation efforts following the April 8 ceasefire. Sharif said, “Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China’s support to promote peace.”
The conflict began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian missile and drone strikes. Iranian forces currently manage maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, while the United States Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
Following reports of diplomatic progress, global oil prices declined by nearly five percent. The price of North Sea Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate slipped to $99.00 and $92.10 a barrel respectively.
