Iran's chief negotiator: We are far from a final agreement

(Patria) - Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that some progress has been made in the negotiations with the US, conducted through intermediaries, but that significant differences still exist between the two sides.

"Conclusions have been reached on some issues in the negotiations, and on others, they have not. We are still far from a final agreement," Ghalibaf said.

Speaking on Iranian state television last night, he also claimed that Iran had been successful on the battlefield and that the US had not achieved any of its nine war objectives. He reiterated earlier claims that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimates that IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi and members of his inner circle have "secured at least temporary control" over Iran's military response and negotiating position.

The IRGC Navy's attacks on several commercial ships yesterday marked a sharp turn from Iran's earlier stance that the Strait of Hormuz was "completely open." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the strait was open.

Media affiliated with the IRGC also announced yesterday that Iran had not agreed to participate in a new round of negotiations with the US due to "excessive" demands.

The Institute states that yesterday's attacks were likely designed to give Iran a negotiating advantage over the US and further solidify the IRGC's control over the country's negotiating policy.