U.S. and Iran Signal De-escalation Framework Amid Disputes Over Timing and Nuclear Terms

Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have intensified over the last 24 hours, centering on a maritime-first de-escalation framework intended to stabilize regional markets. President Donald Trump indicated that a deal is largely finalized, suggesting it will be a "meaningful" agreement or none at all. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further hinted that an announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could occur as early as Monday. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has checked this momentum, stating that a deal is not imminent and emphasizing that talks are currently focused on military de-escalation rather than nuclear concessions. The proposed memorandum allegedly includes a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire and a commitment from both nations and their proxies to cease military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. While U.S. reports suggest the draft requires Iran to dispose of enriched-uranium stockpiles and reaffirm it will never develop nuclear weapons, Tehran has not confirmed these terms. Instead, Iranian officials appear to be separating the maritime and ceasefire tracks from the broader nuclear file, treating economic leverage—such as the unfreezing of assets—as a point of negotiation rather than an immediate result. Currently, no new kinetic strikes have been reported, as both sides focus on the diplomatic messaging surrounding the potential package.