The Iranian Foreign Minister downplayed reports that suggest Tehran and Washington are nearing an agreement to end the war. He said the diplomatic process is ongoing. 

In an interview with a semi-official news agency, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said reports about a deal between the US and Iran “should not be given any importance.”

Several times throughout the war, President Donald Trump and Western media outlets reported that Tehran was about to capitulate to Washington’s demands. However, Iranian officials have continued to repeat the same conditions for ending the war, including a ceasefire in Lebanon, control over the Strait of Hormuz, removing US sanctions, and an agreement that the US or Israel will not restart the war. 

Last week, multiple outlets reported the US and Iran were nearing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war. The agreement would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of the US blockade, and an end to fighting across the Middle East. 

On Saturday, Axios reported that US officials said that Trump wants to strengthen the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Washington is demanding that Tehran agree to eliminate its nuclear enrichment program and export its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. 

Iran is willing to make some restrictions on its enrichment program, but the ability to produce uranium for its nuclear energy program is key to the country’s sovereignty. Tehran has offered to downblend its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.