Iranian Negotiator: "Some Progress Made With U.S., But Final Agreement Still Far Off"

by Kim Jinyeong

Published 19 Apr.2026 10:34(KST)

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and Iran's chief representative in ceasefire negotiations with the United States, stated that while some progress has been made in the talks, a final agreement is still a long way off.

According to foreign media reports including AFP and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on April 19 (local time), Speaker Ghalibaf said in a speech broadcast early that morning on Iranian state TV, "There are still many disagreements with the United States, and several fundamental issues remain." He emphasized that there is still much distance to cover before reaching a final deal.

Associated Press Yonhap News

Speaker Ghalibaf asserted, "We have not been able to completely destroy the enemy, and they still possess funds and weapons," adding, "However, strategically speaking, they are in a defeated position compared to us."

He went on to criticize the U.S. decision to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish and ignorant" move, and warned, "If the blockade is not lifted, there is no doubt that passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be restricted."

As the second round of face-to-face ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran approaches, military tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are once again escalating. Following Iran's announcement of a "temporary opening" of the Strait on the 17th, more than ten oil tankers passed through the waterway. However, the next day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared a renewed blockade, stating that transit would not be allowed until the United States lifts the maritime blockade, leading to a rapid reversal of the situation.

Since then, there have been multiple reports of ships being attacked near the strait, heightening concerns over maritime safety. The United States and Iran have reportedly accepted Pakistan's proposal for a "two-week ceasefire," and are aiming to reach a ceasefire agreement by April 21 U.S. Eastern Time (April 22 local time in Iran).