Iran reviews latest US peace proposal as Trump signals progress toward deal
President Trump says the US and Iran have had very good talks and a deal is very possible, while Iran reviews a US-proposed one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the two-month war. Both sides are still far apart on key issues including Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions.
Trump Signals Optimism as Negotiations Continue
Trump said "We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal." Trump later told PBS that he was optimistic about reaching an agreement before his scheduled trip to China next week.
Iran's Position
Iran says it is still reviewing "messages" from the US via Pakistani mediators. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said navigation will return to normal in the Strait of Hormuz if the war ends and the blockade as well as sanctions are lifted.
Key Sticking Points
The one-page US proposal sought to declare an end to the war while triggering a 30-day negotiation period to resolve sticking points, including on nuclear issues, frozen Iranian assets and security in the Strait of Hormuz. The terms of a potential deal with Iran would include Tehran shipping its enriched uranium stockpile to the US and pledging not to operate its underground facilities.
Regional Tensions Remain
Iran thinks the US blockade is a violation, the UAE is still smarting from Iranian missile attacks Monday and Tuesday, and Israel is torching a key plank of the ceasefire deal, re-escalating in Lebanon by bombing Hezbollah leaders.