Iran says progress on many issues with US but agreement not imminent

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran and the United States have reached understandings on many issues during indirect talks aimed at ending the war, but stated that a final agreement is not yet close.

Baqaei said the recent developments followed weeks of negotiations conducted through Pakistani mediation, with support from several other countries. He also rejected reports that Iran was imposing tolls on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he said Iran collects fees related to navigational and environmental protection services in the Strait, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.