U.S., Iran Narrow Gaps As Mediators Push Toward Possible Deal

Negotiations continued late into Wednesday night in Tehran as Qatari envoy Ali Al-Thawadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi worked to bridge the remaining gaps between the United States and Iran, according to a report by Axios.

•⁠ ⁠Sources briefed on the talks said Qatari and Iranian officials believed they had reached an agreed-upon text that the United States would also accept.

•⁠ ⁠The remaining issues reportedly centered on the release of Iran’s frozen assets, arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz during a proposed 60-day ceasefire, and how negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program would be conducted during that period.

•⁠ ⁠Iranian officials reportedly told several countries on Thursday that the talks had produced an agreement in principle, though final approval was still required from Iran’s supreme leadership.

•⁠ ⁠Separately, an informed source told Iran’s Fars News Agency that no text or memorandum of understanding has been approved with the United States, appearing to contradict reports that negotiators had already agreed on a draft framework.