Iran has mentioned it’s not ready to maneuver to direct, face-to-face negotiations with the US, citing unresolved variations over key points.

Talking at a diplomacy discussion board in Turkiye, Deputy International Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh mentioned discussions stay at an early stage and are persevering with by way of oblique channels.

“We’re nonetheless not there but to maneuver on to an precise assembly as a result of there are points that the People haven’t but deserted their maximalist place,” he mentioned, in line with AP.

He added that Tehran needs a “framework settlement” in place earlier than any in-person talks.

Strait Of Hormuz Tensions And Trump’s Response

The feedback got here as tensions escalated across the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council mentioned management over the waterway would come with cost of prices associated to safety, security and environmental safety.

US President Donald Trump rejected the transfer, saying Tehran can not use the strait as leverage and can’t “blackmail” Washington.

Iran Rejects Uranium Switch Proposal

Khatibzadeh additionally dismissed strategies that Iran may switch enriched uranium to the US.

“I can inform you that no enriched materials goes to be shipped to United States,” he mentioned. “That is non-starter and I can guarantee you that whereas we’re prepared to deal with any considerations that we do have, we’re not going to simply accept issues which can be non-starters.”

His remarks adopted Trump’s assertion that the US would retrieve nuclear materials from Iranian websites, referring to an estimated 970 kilos (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium.

Sanctions Stay A Key Sticking Level

Whereas not detailing all factors of competition, Khatibzadeh recognized US sanctions as a significant impediment to progress.

“The opposite sides additionally ought to perceive and handle our primary considerations, that are unlawful unilateral sanctions that People have imposed on Iranians and this financial terrorism which has focused Iranian folks to suffocate them and make them to revolt towards the political construction inside Iran,” he mentioned.

He added that a number of exchanges of messages have taken place, however vital gaps stay.

Ceasefire Scope And Regional Tensions

Khatibzadeh reiterated Iran’s place that the ceasefire ought to prolong to Lebanon, the place Israel has been engaged with Hezbollah.

“Iran negotiated with good religion, accepted a ceasefire and informed everyone that this ceasefire ought to embrace all international locations, together with Lebanon,” he mentioned. “Then the opposite aspect mentioned that, it’s not dedicated to this after which began atrocities.”

Requested about Iran’s response to renewed assaults, he mentioned, “Iran has no possibility, simply to cease aggressors as soon as and endlessly.”

The USA has mentioned Israel is “prohibited” from additional offensive strikes on Lebanon, although it will possibly act in self-defence.

Strait Of Hormuz Central To Negotiations

The Strait of Hormuz stays a vital factor in ongoing discussions. Khatibzadeh mentioned a “new protocol” could possibly be launched to make sure protected civilian delivery.

He added that the strait would “stay open and protected for all civilian passage.”

The developments observe a collection of strikes linked to the ceasefire. Whereas Iran and Pakistan mentioned the truce prolonged to Lebanon, Israel and later the US denied this. Israel subsequently carried out airstrikes in Beirut, after which Iran once more closed the strait earlier than reopening it following a truce in Lebanon.

Trump has mentioned the US blockade will proceed and warned that assaults may resume if no settlement is reached.