Iran top negotiator Qalibaf reports progress in United States talks amid persistent gaps

Apr 18, 2026, 10:19:01 PM UTC(3 hours ago)

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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf confirmed that while negotiations have advanced, significant distance remains due to what he described as a maximalist approach by the United States
The discussions coincide with a fragile two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan following a period of intense military strikes and a naval blockade
President Trump expressed optimism at a Phoenix event claiming a nuclear deal is close, though Iranian officials maintain they will not accept a zero-enrichment position
Market analysts noted a slight easing in oil supply concerns after Iran partially reopened the Strait of Hormuz, though Qalibaf warned it could close again if the U.S. blockade persists
Expert opinions suggest that retrieving Iran's current enriched uranium stockpiles would be a complex process exceeding the reported sixty-day window for a final deal

IRAN'S TOP NEGOTIATOR QALIBAF TELLS STATE TV: WE HAVE HAD PROGRESS IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE U.S. BUT THERE IS STILL A BIG DISTANCE