Iranian President Sees Best Moment for Agreement as US Vice President Notes Progress in Talks

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated on Saturday that now is the best time to reach an agreement, emphasizing that Iran is "strong, united, and appears to be winning the war." Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance told Fox News that Iranians are suffering and want the conflict to end, but questioned whether Iran's system can deliver the necessary concessions for a satisfactory resolution. Vance acknowledged some progress in recent days but said the outcome remains uncertain.

In related developments, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan McKenzie has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to find a "way out" of the conflict with Iran. According to a CNN report citing three informed sources, McKenzie believes that military options, including airstrikes, risk backfiring and will not achieve President Donald Trump's stated goals. McKenzie has discussed these concerns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President Vance.

On the diplomatic front, the Wall Street Journal reported last Thursday that Iran and Oman have finalized a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deal would grant Tehran authority to monitor vessels entering the Persian Gulf but would not allow Iran to charge transit fees. Iranian parliament is expected to debate a new strategic control law over the strait, which would empower the government and armed forces to oversee maritime traffic. The proposal includes a total ban on ships or cargo linked to the U.S., Israel, hostile states, or entities opposing Iran's "resistance axis," with passage only allowed after compensation for damages. Heavy fines of up to 20% of cargo value would apply to violators, and Iran and Oman plan to impose special fees of up to 7% and 3%, respectively, on ships entering the gulf.