U.S. President Donald Trump is showing a willingness to take a small step toward restarting dialogue with Iran by putting the possibility of easing sanctions and releasing blocked Iranian funds on the table, according to administration officials who spoke to Axios.
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The message Washington has sent to Tehran comes at a time when efforts by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan to bring both sides back to the negotiating table, after a pause that has lasted since July, have yet to produce tangible results.
At present, the United States and Iran remain far apart on key points in the negotiations.
Specifically, Tehran wants the discussions to focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the naval blockade the United States has imposed on Iranian ports, while the Trump administration is seeking Iran’s agreement to make concessions regarding its nuclear program. Nevertheless, the U.S. proposal leaves room for hope that a diplomatic breakthrough could emerge, after Trump rejected the latest offer put forward by Tehran.
The mediators plan to meet in New York with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to examine a Qatari initiative that has been negotiated by both sides in recent days. After that, a similar meeting is expected with representatives of the Trump administration, where Iran’s position will be conveyed and efforts will be made to reach common ground.
A U.S. official familiar with the indirect talks between the sides described the contacts as “positive and constructive,” stressing that Iran “has demonstrated flexibility on the nuclear issue.” However, he said disagreements still remain and clarified that there would be no agreement “unless these issues are addressed.”
“The sides still do not agree on the order in which commitments should be implemented or on who should act first,” the source added.
