Iranian leadership declared Wednesday they will only consider “a fair and comprehensive agreement” during ongoing discussions with the United States aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict, even as President Donald Trump announced “great progress” in diplomatic efforts.
During meetings in Beijing with China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized his country’s position on the negotiations. “We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations,” Araqchi told Iranian media outlets. “We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement.”
The Iranian foreign minister avoided commenting on Trump’s recent proposal to temporarily halt U.S. naval escort missions through the Strait of Hormuz as a potential incentive for reaching a diplomatic solution.
The strategic waterway has remained essentially closed since hostilities erupted on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched aerial strikes against Iran. This blockade has cut off approximately 20% of global oil shipments, triggering an international energy emergency.
Trump announced the temporary suspension of escort operations through his social media channels. “We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom … will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” the president posted.
Oil markets responded immediately to Trump’s announcement, with Brent crude futures declining 1.2% to $108.60 per barrel following a 4% drop the previous day. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures also fell 1.2% to $101.06 per barrel after a 3.9% decrease in the prior session.
White House officials have not responded to requests for details about the diplomatic progress or the duration of the operational pause.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top administration officials maintained that Iran cannot be permitted to control passage through the crucial strait.
Iranian forces have effectively closed the waterway by threatening to use mines, unmanned aircraft, missiles, and high-speed attack vessels. The United States has responded with port blockades and protected convoys for commercial shipping.
U.S. military commanders reported Monday they had eliminated multiple Iranian small boats along with cruise missiles and drone aircraft.
Despite ongoing tensions, a fragile truce established four weeks ago continues to hold.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives as fighting has expanded beyond Iran into Lebanon and Gulf regions, severely disrupting the world economy. International Monetary Fund leadership warned Tuesday that even immediate conflict resolution would require three to four months to address the economic aftermath.
Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, Trump described Iran’s military capabilities as reduced to “peashooters” and suggested Tehran seeks peace despite public hostile rhetoric.
“Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Rising fuel costs from the conflict are creating political pressure for Trump’s administration as November midterm elections approach, directly affecting American consumers.
Trump has justified the U.S.-Israeli military action as necessary to counter immediate threats from Iran, specifically citing Tehran’s nuclear weapons development, ballistic missile capabilities, and backing of Hamas and Hezbollah armed groups.
Iranian officials have condemned the strikes as violations of national sovereignty, asserting their legal right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue peaceful nuclear technology development, including uranium enrichment.
International diplomatic initiatives to resolve the crisis have produced limited results so far. While U.S. and Iranian representatives completed one direct negotiating session, efforts to schedule additional meetings have been unsuccessful.
