Donald Trump cast his negotiating stance in stark terms on Monday, declaring any deal with Iran would be either "great and meaningful, or there will be no deal at all." The ultimatum came as Tehran accused Washington of sending contradictory signals that are sabotaging efforts to reach an agreement.
Iran's negotiating team spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that while both sides have settled numerous issues, talk of an imminent agreement is premature. The real obstacle, he suggested, lies in the disjointed messaging coming from US officials and what he characterized as Israeli pressure on the negotiations.
Baghaei emphasized that any understanding over Iran's control of the strait of Hormuz would require the inclusion of a ceasefire in Lebanon. The deal, as outlined by Iran's position, would also depend on the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. On the mechanics of passage through the strategic waterway, Baghaei rejected characterizations of "tolls," insisting instead that only "fees for navigational services" were under discussion, with Oman and Iran handling the arrangement between themselves.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a more optimistic read while visiting India. He confirmed that talks continued in Qatar and acknowledged ongoing debate about specific language in the initial framework. The strait will be opened "one way or another," Rubio told reporters, signaling confidence that some resolution is achievable.
The gap between Tehran's caution and Washington's determination reflects the fragile state of negotiations. Iran has made clear it will not be rushed, while the Trump administration appears intent on demonstrating resolve rather than flexibility. Trump's social media declaration essentially told both Iran and observers that a deal must pass his threshold or it does not happen, a negotiating posture that leaves little room for compromise.
Meanwhile, the international stage threw up other complications. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico would allow Iran's national football team to remain in the country during the World Cup after the United States declined to host the squad, despite Iran playing all three of its group matches on American soil. Sheinbaum said FIFA had approached Mexico after the US position became clear.
On the business front, Trump Tower's planned expansion into Georgia hit a wrinkle. Records show the Tbilisi skyscraper project, a joint venture between local developers and the Trump Organization, is slated to be built on land partly owned by the International Charity Fund Cartu. That entity is connected to the son of Georgia's US-sanctioned leader, raising potential complications for a venture managed by Trump's sons, Donald Jr and Eric Trump.
Author James Rodriguez: "Iran's refusal to be stampeded into a quick deal, paired with Trump's all-or-nothing posturing, suggests these negotiations could drag on indefinitely or blow up without warning."
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