U.S. and Iran Signal Diplomatic Progress but Caution Agreement is Not Imminent

Prospects for a near-term diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have cooled over the last 24 hours as both Washington and Tehran tempered expectations for a finalized agreement. President Donald Trump indicated he is "in no hurry" to sign a deal, despite acknowledging a framework exists regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei echoed this cautious sentiment, noting that while significant progress has been made on several issues, the parties have not yet reached a stage where a signing can be considered imminent. The status of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central pillar of the negotiations. While President Trump described the current proposal as a "pretty solid thing," Iranian officials emphasized that Tehran will continue to manage maritime traffic and collect service fees, rejecting the characterization of these charges as "tolls." Behind the scenes, regional actors like Pakistan have reportedly supported ceasefire efforts, while Iranian state media has discussed phased measures to restore maritime operations following a potential agreement. Parallel to the diplomatic track, military pressure continues to shape the regional landscape. Israeli airstrikes were reported in Lebanon on May 25, even as U.S. and Iranian negotiators worked to finalize terms that could impact broader regional stability. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a firm stance, insisting that any final diplomatic resolution must ensure the total elimination of the Iranian nuclear threat. Despite the lowered public expectations for an immediate signing, indirect communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain open.