The prospect of a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran appears closer than at any point since the conflict erupted earlier this year. Yet as officials on both sides speak of progress, contradictory statements over timing, terms and implementation continue to fuel uncertainty about whether a deal is truly imminent.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
A senior US administration official on Saturday said Washington believes it has reached a "strong" agreement with Iran and expressed confidence that a final deal could be completed soon. The official added that President Donald Trump plans bilateral discussions with the leaders of India, France and Egypt as diplomatic efforts intensify.
At the same time, Iran has sought to temper expectations. While Tehran has acknowledged that negotiations are advancing, officials insist key details remain unresolved and have rejected reports suggesting a signing ceremony is already scheduled.
The conflicting accounts have left governments, markets and regional actors trying to determine whether a historic breakthrough is around the corner or whether significant obstacles still remain.
Washington sees progress, Tehran urges caution
The latest optimism came from the White House, where officials suggested negotiations had entered their final phase.
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei pushed back against reports that an agreement would be signed on Sunday.
"We have to wait and see about the exact time of signing; although it will not be tomorrow," Baghaei said, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.
He added: "The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out."
Baghaei also dismissed reports that Iranian negotiators were preparing to travel to Geneva or Islamabad for a signing ceremony.
According to Iranian state media, he said the negotiating team was not planning to visit either city in the "next day or two", despite earlier reports from Pakistan suggesting a deal could be finalised within 24 hours.
The mixed messaging reflects a pattern seen throughout the negotiations, with Trump repeatedly declaring that an agreement is close while Iranian officials insist that discussions remain ongoing.
Key differences remain over money, security and Hormuz
Even as both sides speak positively about the negotiations, important disagreements remain visible.
Iran has made clear that access to frozen assets remains central to any agreement. Baghaei described the release of Iran's frozen funds as "an integral part of agreement", signalling Tehran's continued focus on sanctions relief and economic recovery.
The issue has become more contentious after reports emerged suggesting billions of dollars could be released as part of a broader understanding. The United Arab Emirates on Saturday issued a firm denial of claims that it planned to transfer $3 billion to Iran.
In a statement, the UAE said reports of any such transfer were "entirely false and unfounded" and stressed that no frozen Iranian funds had been released or facilitated through Emirati channels.
Security issues also remain unresolved. According to Fars News Agency, Baghaei said the "existence of foreign bases and military presence in region must end", underscoring Tehran's long-standing demand for a reduced American military footprint in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz remains another major sticking point. Iran indicated it intends to continue managing traffic through the strategic waterway and may impose fees for services provided there.
Baghaei said Iran's measures were aimed at ensuring "safe traffic in Strait of Hormuz in line with protecting national security and common good of world community". He also said Iran "will have to charge for services provided in Strait of Hormuz".
Regional optimism grows despite unresolved questions
While Washington and Tehran continue to exchange differing narratives, regional mediators are increasingly optimistic.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a peace deal was expected to be finalised within the next 24 hours and described the parties as being "closer to a peace deal than ever before".
Sharif said Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing ceremony, after which technical-level negotiations would continue.
Saudi Arabia has also welcomed the progress. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the negotiations and expressed hope that a successful outcome would contribute to long-term regional stability.
