Tehran: Disagreements remain unresolved between Iran and the US over several provisions of a potential understanding, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, threatening the chances of reaching a deal, Iranian media reported Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the semi-official Tasnim news agency highlighted that despite some talks held, the US continues to obstruct certain provisions of the understanding, notably the release of Iran's frozen assets. These issues persist without resolution, adding that the possibility of the understanding collapsing 'still exists at present' amid ongoing disagreements between the two sides.
Iran has emphasized its refusal to compromise on its red lines in securing the rights of its people. The agency further reported that Iran is unwilling to link the release of its frozen assets to the nuclear materials issue. Citing an informed source, Tasnim reiterated that no final understanding has been reached and challenges remain concerning some provisions.
Even if an initial understanding is achieved, it does not signify a shift in Iran's perspective of the US or a newfound trust in Washington to fulfill its commitments. A US official, as quoted by the New York Times, mentioned that Washington and Tehran have agreed in principle to a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Tehran's commitment to dispose of its highly enriched uranium. The agreement, however, has not been signed and awaits final approval from US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The proposed deal does not address Iran's missile stockpile or include a moratorium on uranium enrichment, with these issues expected to be managed in future talks. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire, facilitated by Pakistani mediation, took effect on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely by Trump.