Iran war day 85: Tehran says major gaps remain in US talks

Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran as mediation efforts between Iran and the United States intensified. Pakistani officials reportedly played a growing role as regional powers sought to prevent a wider conflict. Iranian officials tempered expectations for a quick breakthrough, saying differences in mediated talks remained deep and significant. Iran stated that fees and tolls tied to transit through the Strait of Hormuz are part of a security service provided to vessels crossing the waterway, rejecting US threats and asserting control under a new reality. Iran also said more than 30 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy. An Iranian official said stopping the war on all fronts is a necessary condition for future negotiations, and that no final agreement had been reached. Separately, allegations emerged that Israeli forces detained Gaza aid flotilla activists in international waters and that at least 15 detainees reported sexual assault, including rape, increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s handling of pro-Palestinian activists and detainees.

"Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday as diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Iran and the United States intensified. Pakistani officials are reportedly playing a growing mediation role as regional powers push to prevent a wider conflict. But Iranian officials have tempered expectations for a quick breakthrough."

"Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said differences in the mediated talks between Tehran and Washington remain deep and significant, signalling that major obstacles still stand in the way of a formal agreement. Meanwhile, outrage is growing over Israel's treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists after organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said at least 15 detainees reported incidents of sexual assault, including rape, following their seizure by Israeli forces in international waters."

"Iran said fees and tolls linked to transit through the Strait of Hormuz are part of a security service provided to vessels crossing the strategic waterway, as Tehran rejects US threats of escalation and asserts control over the strait under what it calls a new reality. Iranian officials say more than 30 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy over the past day."

"An Iranian official said stopping the war on all fronts is a necessary condition for any future negotiations with the US, while stressing that no final agreement has yet been reached despite ongoing efforts to bridge differences between Tehran and Washington. The source added that a positive diplomatic atmosphere alone is not enough to secure a deal."

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