• A proposed Iran-U.S. agreement negotiated between Iranian envoy Araghchi and U.S. envoy Witkoff has been blocked at senior levels, according to a source cited by i24NEWS.
  • Mojtaba Khamenei’s lack of approval is a key factor, potentially influencing President Trump’s hesitancy to give final consent.
  • The impasse threatens to prolong uncertainty in global energy markets and delay sanctions relief.

Backchannel Progress, But No Green Light

Efforts to finalize a framework between Iran and the United States have hit a snag. A source told i24NEWS that while negotiators Araghchi and Witkoff reached a tentative understanding, the deal has not been approved by Iran’s senior leadership. Specifically, Mojtaba Khamenei, a key power broker, withheld his endorsement—a development that may also explain why President Trump has not yet given final approval.

“We’re aware of the reports but cannot confirm internal Iranian deliberations,” a State Department spokesperson told Bloomberg, declining further comment. Attempts to reach Iran’s mission to the UN were unsuccessful.

Leadership Dynamics Stall Momentum

The reported blockage underscores the delicate internal calculus in Tehran. Even as technical teams converge on terms, high-level buy-in remains elusive. This mirrors past patterns in nuclear negotiations, where near-agreements have repeatedly stalled due to domestic political thresholds. The current impasse suggests that Iran may require broader consensus among its leadership before formalizing any sanction-relief framework.

On the U.S. side, the multi-layered approval process has also slowed progress. Concerns about domestic backlash and the impact on broader diplomatic tracks have made the White House cautious, despite backchannel momentum.

Market and Geopolitical Fallout

News of the blockage sent oil prices fluctuating, with Brent crude rising 1.2% on Tuesday amid heightened uncertainty over Iran’s return to global markets. Analysts warn that prolonged ambiguity could sustain volatility, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The longer this limbo persists, the more markets will price in a higher risk premium,” said Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets. “A credible deal would be a major tailwind, but internal hurdles remain significant.”

What’s Next

Attention now turns to any statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader or the Foreign Ministry that could signal a shift. The U.S. has reiterated its willingness to negotiate but emphasized that a final sign-off depends on verifiable commitments. Without a deal, experts say both sides risk a return to heightened tensions.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the role of Mojtaba Khamenei. He is the son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not a direct negotiator.