According to a US official, President Donald Trump is willing to consider sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for "concrete progress" on the country's nuclear issues. The official stated that the US is engaged in "positive and constructive discussions" with Iran through mediators. However, the official emphasized that a deal will not be reached unless Iran addresses the nuclear issues. The US has been skeptical of Iran's intentions, citing the country's past actions.
Trump recently rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "unacceptable." On Sunday, he told Axios that he expects further talks with Iran this week. The US side is being led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The official noted that Iran has indicated flexibility on nuclear issues, but the two sides have not yet agreed on the timing of commitments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any change in Tehran's position, stating that there has been no shift in Iran's stance on nuclear issues. He attributed the current situation to the issue of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi revealed that Iran had met with a Qatari mediator who would present ideas to the US. This development suggests that Iran is still open to negotiations.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz expressed skepticism about Iran's intentions, citing the country's history of violating agreements. Waltz told CNN that Trump rejected the earlier proposal because he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith. Waltz argued that it was unacceptable for Tehran to ask for concessions upfront without a clear commitment to negotiations.
The US official reiterated Waltz's assertion that the US is skeptical of Iran's promises, given the country's past actions. Iran's firing on commercial vessels, which violated the US-Iran memorandum of understanding reached in July, has contributed to the US's skepticism. The official emphasized that the US will not make concessions without concrete progress on nuclear issues.
Trump has disputed the idea that he offered Iran any concession, stating that he "offered them NOTHING!" He emphasized that Iran wants to make a deal, but it is not the deal that he wants to make. Trump suggested that Iran overplayed its hand and that any potential agreement would have been possible a year ago.
The developments suggest that the US and Iran are still far from reaching an agreement. Despite the challenges, both sides appear to be open to further negotiations. The involvement of mediators and the exchange of ideas between the two sides may lead to a breakthrough in the coming weeks. Key issues, including sanctions relief and nuclear commitments, remain to be addressed.
Key points
- Trump is open to sanctions relief if Iran shows "concrete progress" on nuclear issues.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any change in Tehran's position on nuclear issues.
- The US is skeptical of Iran's intentions due to the country's past actions, including violating the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
