US media reveals the behind-the-scenes of US–Iran agreement negotiations: three major disagreements have been narrowed down through Qatar’s mediation

Odaily Planet Daily News reports, citing Axios, that former President Trump has repeatedly claimed that an agreement is close to being reached, while Tehran has not confirmed his latest remarks. However, three people briefed on the negotiations said that during talks between Iranian officials and Qatari mediators on Wednesday, the key differences had been resolved. The negotiations continued in Tehran until late into Wednesday night, with Qatari envoy Ali Savadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi working to bridge the remaining gaps between the United States and Iran.

The sources said that on Wednesday, both Qatar and Iran believed they had reached a draft text of an agreement that the United States would also accept. The parties’ disagreements on three key issues have narrowed: the mechanism for releasing Iran’s frozen assets—this is Iran’s top priority; arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a 60-day ceasefire period; and how to negotiate Iran’s nuclear program during the 60-day ceasefire period.

On Thursday, Iranian officials told multiple countries that the Tehran talks produced a principled agreement, but Supreme Leader Mujtaba still needs to grant final approval. (Jin10)