Sources: US and Iran reduce ambitions for a comprehensive peace agreement, instead seeking to reach a temporary deal

Mars Finance News, April 16 — According to Reuters, two Iranian sources said that U.S.-Iran negotiation representatives have lowered their ambitions for a comprehensive peace agreement and are instead seeking a temporary memorandum to avoid falling back into conflict. After last weekend’s negotiations in Islamabad ended without result, deep disagreements over nuclear program issues (such as the destination of enriched uranium stockpiles and the deadline to halt nuclear work) continue to hinder progress. An Iranian senior official stated that the two sides have narrowed differences on issues such as management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran hopes the memorandum will include the unfreezing of some U.S. funds in exchange for allowing more ships to pass through the strait. A source who listened to Tehran’s briefing said that, according to Iran’s proposal, if a lasting agreement can be reached, ships could pass freely on the Oman side of the strait without being attacked. But deeper disagreements remain, including the fate of high-enriched uranium stockpiles and the deadline to stop nuclear work. Iranian sources said that if a memorandum to cease hostilities is reached, both sides are expected to have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement, which will require the participation of experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (Jin10)