A boy holds an Iranian flag as he returns back to the southern Lebanese town of Marwanieh on April 17, 2026. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat / AFP)
Significant differences between Iran and the United States remain to reach a deal aimed at ending the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday, adding that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is "conditional on U.S. adherence to the terms of cease-fire."
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issues," and serious negotiations are required to overcome differences.
He said Tehran hoped that a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days with mediator Pakistan’s efforts, with the possibility of extending the cease-fire to "create space for more talks on lifting sanctions on Iran and securing compensation for war damages."
"In exchange, Iran will provide assurances to the international community about the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme," he said, adding that any other "narrative about the ongoing talks is a misrepresentation of the situation."
Israel, Lebanon agree to implement cease-fire, boosting hopes for Iran deal