US, Iran discuss ‘agreement’ to de-escalate tensions. Iranian and Western officials stated the U.S. is negotiating with Iran to curb its nuclear program, release some detained Americans, and unfreeze certain Iranian assets overseas.
These moves would be presented as an “understanding” rather than an agreement requiring congressional review, where many oppose handing Iran benefits due to its military aid to Russia, domestic repression, and support for proxies that have attacked U.S. interests in the region.
After failing to resurrect a 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Washington aims to restrain Iran to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel and start a regional arms race. Tehran denies wanting nuclear weapons.
Tehran has exceeded the 2015 pact, which then-President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, which limited its uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity and its stockpile to 202.8 kg (447 pounds).
Since indirect U.S.-Iranian talks collapsed, U.S. and European authorities have sought to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities. Restarting talks shows Western countries’ growing concern about Iran’s program.
The U.S. government has carefully denied allegations it is seeking an interim accord, leaving open the potential of a less formal “understanding” that could skirt congressional consideration.
State Department spokesman Matt Miller rejected an Iran deal.
He said Washington wanted Tehran to de-escalate tensions, curtail its nuclear program, stop supporting regional proxy groups that attack, stop supporting Russia’s conflict on Ukraine, and release detained U.S. nationals.
“We continue to use diplomatic engagements to pursue all of these goals,” he continued without elaborating.
An Iranian official stated, “Call it whatever you want, whether a temporary deal, an interim deal, or a mutual understanding – both sides want to prevent further escalation.”
He stated, “That will involve prisoner exchange and unblocking part of Iran’s frozen assets” first.
He suggested U.S. sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil in exchange for suspending 60% uranium enrichment and cooperating with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
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