Iran slaps down US deal rumours as talks stall over mixed signals

Tehran says contradictory American statements and Israeli interference are blocking progress on any nuclear agreement, dismissing reports that a deal is close.

Iran's foreign ministry denied reports that a nuclear agreement with the United States is imminent.
Tehran cited what it called contradictory statements from US officials as a key obstacle.
Iranian officials also pointed to Israeli interference as undermining negotiations.
Talks have been conducted through intermediaries, with Oman playing a facilitating role.
The status of the Strait of Hormuz remains a pressure point in the broader standoff.

Iran denied Sunday that a nuclear deal with the United States is imminent, with Tehran blaming “contradictory statements” from American officials and Israeli pressure for stalling negotiations.

The Iranian foreign ministry said progress has been made but stopped well short of confirming any agreement is within reach, pushing back on reports suggesting a deal could close quickly.

Israeli opposition to any arrangement has complicated the diplomatic track, Iranian officials said, framing outside interference as a direct obstacle to talks advancing.

Negotiations have proceeded through Omani intermediaries rather than direct contact. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply transits, has shadowed the talks as a potential flashpoint if diplomacy collapses.

Washington has not publicly responded to Tehran’s characterisation of the US negotiating position as inconsistent.

Further rounds of indirect talks are expected in the coming weeks, with no date for direct or high-level contact confirmed by either side.