Summary
- Reuters reported that the US and Iran are considering an interim memorandum of understanding to prevent renewed military conflict.
- Iran said it wants the memorandum to include the release of some Iranian funds frozen by the US and, in return, would allow more ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- An agreement remains difficult on issues tied to Iran’s nuclear program, including how to handle its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the duration of any suspension of nuclear activities.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
The US and Iran are considering an interim agreement to prevent renewed military conflict instead of pursuing a broad peace deal.
Reuters, citing multiple Iranian sources, reported that US and Iranian negotiators have scaled back their goal to an interim memorandum of understanding aimed at preventing hostilities from flaring up again. The shift followed talks in Islamabad over the weekend that ended without a clear breakthrough. Iran’s nuclear program remains the main stumbling block, despite optimism from Pakistani mediators about progress in the negotiations.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters the two sides had begun narrowing differences on some issues. Those discussions also cover management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wants the memorandum to include the release of some Iranian funds frozen by the US. In exchange, Tehran wants to allow more ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Differences over Iran’s nuclear program persist. The official said an agreement remains difficult on how to handle Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which the US wants removed, and on the duration of any suspension of Iranian nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment.
JOON HYOUNG LEE
gilson@bloomingbit.ioCrypto Journalist based in Seoul
