Iran says peace talks with US not close to agreement

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Friday that ongoing peace talks with the US via Pakistani mediators are not close to an agreement. Disagreements continue regarding the control of the Hormuz strait and maritime shipping lanes, with the US objecting to any Iranian tolling system.

Meanwhile, the US is pushing for Iran to hand over or remove its enriched uranium, a demand Iran is reportedly rejecting as an unacceptable concession. Although the gap in expectations, diplomatic channels and message exchanges remain open, with high-level Pakistani officials visiting Tehran to prevent further escalation.