Iranian leadership is framing ongoing diplomatic contacts with the United States as proof that Tehran has achieved its aims and resisted American pressure. However, the talks have not yet delivered an agreement to end the conflict. Both parties continue to exchange proposals via mediators, but fundamental disputes remain about the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials emphasize that Tehran is standing firm on its demands. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed on November 2 that communication with Washington is ongoing through intermediaries, but also noted that the negotiations are complex and have not achieved a major breakthrough so far.
Tehran Sees Continued Talks as Evidence of Its Success
Iran is promoting the diplomatic process as confirmation of its standing in the conflict. According to Tehran, continued U.S. engagement through intermediaries shows Washington has failed to accomplish its goals with military and economic pressure.
Such statements represent the Iranian leadership’s political interpretation. The continuation of talks does not mean the United States has accepted Iranian demands or that the conflict has ended.
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday stated that the United States has achieved a significant victory and wants to end the war soon. He said a deal might be reached, or Washington could end the conflict another way. Trump reiterated that there are still one or two military objectives the U.S. needs to address.
The differing public statements from both sides reflect efforts by Washington and Tehran to present developments as successes to their own domestic audiences.
Iranian Proposal Could Be Implemented Within Two Days
A key item in the current negotiations is Iran’s seven-point plan, first presented in September. It originally envisioned a gradual process over seven days, but over the weekend, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions with Qatari mediators had cut the proposed implementation time to two days.
Spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed on Monday that this plan is the foundation of indirect communication with Washington and said it had been modified so its measures could be implemented more quickly.
Tehran stresses, however, that the shortened timeline does not mean giving up core demands. Iran insists the United States must first end the naval blockade of Iranian ports, lift relevant sanctions, and release frozen financial assets. The proposal also includes resuming maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Only after these conditions are met is Tehran prepared to address other issues, including the nuclear program. Washington insists on the opposite sequence: it wants the nuclear issue to be addressed directly in any agreement.
Doha Talks Ended Without Major Breakthrough
In recent days, diplomatic efforts have focused on Doha, where Iranian officials met with Qatari intermediaries. According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian delegation left Qatar on Sunday, but one official familiar with the talks said the departure did not mean negotiations had collapsed.
A draft agreement is still being prepared, which intermediaries are to convey to both sides. It remains unclear whether Washington will accept it or demand further changes.
Iranian spokesman Baghaei confirmed that communication is ongoing, with both sides exchanging messages through mediators, but acknowledged that the issues to be resolved are complex.
Qatar is not the only state involved in mediation. Pakistan is also playing an intermediary role, and other regional countries maintain contact with Tehran. Their main aim is to prevent a resumption of full-scale hostilities.
Earlier Iranian warnings and diplomatic contacts were covered in our article “Iran warns of harsh retaliation for any attack. Diplomatic talks continue despite tensions.”
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Issue
Iran’s demands center heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. This strategic maritime passage carries a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Tehran wants shipping to resume under conditions allowing it to retain control over security arrangements in the strait, while seeking concessions from the United States. The proposal also refers to new shipping routes Iran negotiated with Oman.
For Washington, though, the key is that restored maritime traffic should not just be a temporary fix. The U.S. wants a broader agreement, including Iran’s nuclear program and security guarantees.
Thus, negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are not just about the technicalities of shipping. The outcome could affect energy markets, oil prices, and the security of commercial routes. For more on Tehran’s demands, see “Iran and Qatar negotiate over Hormuz, Tehran demands sanctions and blockade be lifted.”
Trump Claims Victory, but Doesn’t Rule Out New Strikes
In recent days, Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that the United States has scored major successes in the conflict. He also said he wants to end the war soon, either through an agreement or by other means.
The U.S. president has not ruled out additional military action. On Saturday, he mentioned one or two remaining targets in Iran that still need to be addressed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the president has not yet decided to resume military action.
Trump previously stated that the United States would not launch further attacks on Iran before the November 3 congressional elections. Nonetheless, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues, and Washington has kept the option of military intervention on the table.
For a more detailed account of these statements, see our article “Trump rules out an attack on Iran before the elections, says talks are progressing.”
Why Is Iran Speaking of Victory?
Iran’s interpretation of events stems mainly from the fact that the United States, despite military and economic pressure, continues to negotiate through intermediaries. Tehran presents this as evidence that Washington has failed to achieve all its goals and must accommodate Iranian conditions.
The U.S. administration, however, describes the situation differently. Trump speaks of the success of American operations and claims Iran needs a deal. There is still no confirmation that Washington has agreed to Iran’s proposal or accepted all its terms.
While both sides portray developments as their own successes, practical results from the negotiations remain limited. There is no confirmed agreement to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully, or decide the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
The coming days will show whether diplomatic contacts will result in a concrete agreement or remain another phase in a conflict marked by mutual threats.
READ ALSO
- Egypt warns of another war between the U.S. and Iran. A second conflict would be even more destructive.
- Iran presses to close the Red Sea. Houthi militias are told to prepare for a blockade if the U.S. attacks.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
