Tehran has tempered expectations of a swift agreement with Washington to end months of conflict, stating that no final decision has been taken on the proposed truce. Qatari negotiators landed in the Iranian capital on Saturday to help bridge remaining gaps, even as US President Donald Trump claimed a deal could be sealed as early as Sunday.

Mixed Signals from Tehran

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said political, legal and technical reviews of the proposed agreement are still underway. While rejecting claims of a signing on Sunday, officials indicated that an understanding could still be reached in the coming days. The ministry also announced new regulations to monitor shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, with possible future levies on vessels using the vital waterway.

The comments came hours after Trump asserted that the deal would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping and mark a major improvement in bilateral ties. Washington and Islamabad have expressed optimism that a framework agreement could end nearly four months of hostilities.

Qatari Mediators Step In

A high-level Qatari delegation, led by an adviser to Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, arrived in Tehran to push for final approval. Iranian state media ISNA and Tasnim reported that the team aims to review the latest developments in the diplomatic track. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the visit is part of intense last-minute efforts to finalise the truce.

Background of the Conflict

The current tensions stem from escalated hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran that began earlier this year. The 12-day war with Israel last year remains fresh in Iranian memory, with President Masoud Pezeshkian recently hailing it as a “symbol of national solidarity.” Reports also emerged of Iran securing tunnels at the Isfahan nuclear facility amid the uncertainty.

Protests on Iranian Streets

Public reaction in Iran has been mixed. In Mashhad, dozens gathered outside the Foreign Ministry office to protest against what they see as excessive concessions. Demonstrators raised slogans against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf, warning that the deal could weaken Iran’s strategic leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Similar protests were reported in Tehran via social media videos.

Regional Ripples and Israeli Stance

The developments have kept the wider region on edge. Israel continued operations in southern Lebanon, issuing displacement orders for residents of 29 towns and villages and reporting the killing of seven Hezbollah fighters. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich reiterated strong positions against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Trump’s approach towards Iran.

India has also been drawn in, with New Delhi summoning a US diplomat over attacks on ships carrying Indian sailors. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that violations of the Hormuz blockade would not be tolerated.

Political Reactions in the US

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers expressed scepticism. Senator Adam Schiff hoped the deal would hold but pointed to past broken promises. On the Republican side, some lawmakers continued to voice strong reservations about allowing Iran any path to nuclear weapons.

What Lies Ahead

According to reports, the proposed interim memorandum of understanding could be followed by 60 days of technical negotiations covering Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and management of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides appear conscious of the high stakes — economic, strategic and humanitarian.

Iranian officials, including Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh, have emphasised that ordinary Iranians harbour no enmity towards the American people and seek mutual respect. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether the diplomatic momentum in Tehran translates into a concrete agreement.

The arrival of Qatari mediators has injected fresh urgency into efforts to end the war, but Tehran’s cautious tone suggests that several hurdles remain before any deal is finalised.

Iran Ready for 'Negotiations with Dignity' as Araghchi Set to Visit India for BRICS Meet

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday signalled Tehran's willingness to pursue negotiations with the United States, but stressed these must be conducted with "dignity" and "authority." His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and stalled diplomacy following a recent round of indirect talks.

Pezeshkian made the comments during a meeting with senior commanders of Iran's Faraja police force, where he reviewed their performance in what Iranian officials termed the "recent imposed war." According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), he underlined that military achievements should now be backed by diplomatic efforts.

Araghchi Likely in New Delhi

In a related development, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for May 14-15. The visit assumes significance as India, a key BRICS member, maintains balanced ties with both Iran and Western nations.

Sources familiar with the arrangements indicated the Iranian delegation would use the platform to engage with counterparts on regional stability and multilateral cooperation. New Delhi has traditionally advocated for dialogue in West Asia.

Tehran Hits Out at US 'Unreasonable Demands'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei sharply criticised the United States for what he described as "unreasonable demands" in ongoing discussions over a proposed 14-point framework aimed at ending hostilities. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said Iran had responded through Pakistani mediators with what it called a "reasonable and generous" proposal.

The Iranian response reportedly includes an immediate cessation of conflict on all fronts, lifting of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and guarantees against further attacks. Tehran has also sought the release of frozen assets and compensation for damages. US President Donald Trump dismissed the Iranian counter-proposal as "totally unacceptable."

"Whenever we are forced to fight, we will fight, and whenever there is room for diplomacy, we will seize that opportunity," Baghaei stated, adding that decisions would be guided solely by national interests.

Hormuz Tensions and International Moves

The diplomatic back-and-forth unfolds against persistent concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. Iran has warned against deployment of British and French warships in the area, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting that security of the strait remains Tehran's responsibility.

Britain and France are co-hosting a Defence Ministers' meeting on Tuesday with representatives from over 40 nations to discuss restoring safe maritime traffic through the waterway.

Regional Spillover Continues

Meanwhile, clashes in southern Lebanon and exchanges involving Israeli forces added to the volatility. Israeli strikes were reported in areas like Nabatieh, while both sides traded accusations over drone activity near the border.

In parallel economic fallout, oil prices climbed further on Monday as uncertainty over a US-Iran deal persisted, while international gold prices saw some decline amid shifting safe-haven demand.

Background and Public Posture

The current round of indirect negotiations follows a period of intense military confrontation that Iranian officials maintain was imposed upon them. President Pezeshkian emphasised multiple pathways forward, including strengthened diplomacy to consolidate recent military gains.

Analysts note that Iran's firm yet open stance reflects both domestic pressures to safeguard sovereignty and a pragmatic recognition of the economic costs of prolonged isolation. The release of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi on bail for medical treatment also signals some internal easing, though broader tensions remain high.

As Araghchi prepares for New Delhi, observers will watch closely for any bilateral or multilateral signals that could open fresh channels. With Trump scheduled to engage Chinese leadership soon on related matters, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy gains ground or if escalation risks persist.

The situation remains fluid, with multiple stakeholders closely monitoring developments that could reshape security dynamics across West Asia and beyond.