Iran said a cease-fire agreement with the United States is not imminent due to excessive demands from the U.S. [1].

The stalemate suggests a deepening diplomatic divide that could lead to increased military escalation if negotiations fail to bridge the gap between the two nations.

Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, said to Iranian media in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Friday night [1], [2]. Baghaei said that while the negotiation process is ongoing, he cannot say that an agreement is imminent [2].

According to Baghaei, there are very large differences in opinion between Iran and the U.S. [2]. He said the demands made by the U.S. are excessive, citing these positions as the primary obstacles to a rapid agreement [1].

While diplomatic channels remain open, the Iranian military is simultaneously preparing a "new scenario" [2]. This military preparation occurs alongside the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution.

Baghaei said the negotiation process is still proceeding [2], but the current distance between the two parties remains significant. The spokesperson did not provide specific details on the nature of the U.S. demands, or the specifics of the military's updated strategy [1], [2].

“"I cannot say that an agreement is imminent."”

The disconnect between Iran's diplomatic engagement and its military preparations indicates a 'hedging' strategy. By maintaining a negotiation process while developing new military scenarios, Tehran is signaling that it will not concede to U.S. terms and is prepared for a non-diplomatic outcome if the 'excessive' demands are not lowered.