After weeks of threats, the United States and Iran have hinted in recent days at the possibility of an agreement that would put a lasting end to the war in the Middle East, but sticking points persist and their positions remain distant for the moment.
After weeks of threats, the United States and Iran have hinted in recent days at the possibility of an agreement that would put a lasting end to the war in the Middle East, but sticking points persist and their positions remain distant for the time being.
Donald Trump dampened hopes of an imminent deal, saying he did not want “he rushed”Tehran also being cautious. Update on the different aspects of the discussions.
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Le nucléaire remis à plus tard ?
Iran insists nuclear issue is not part «à ce stade» of the memorandum of understanding under discussion and that it would be addressed in separate negotiations. But in the longer term, “Tehran’s commitment to give up its stock of highly enriched uranium” will be at the heart of the discussions, according to New York Timesciting two anonymous American officials.
The Iranian news agencies Fars and Tasnim affirm that the nuclear aspect will be addressed within 60 days following the signing of the memorandum of understanding. And, according to Fars, “Iran has not committed in this agreement to ceding nuclear stockpiles, withdrawing equipment, closing facilities or even not building a nuclear bomb.”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, claimed to have agreed with Donald Trump that any final agreement with Iran must “Eliminate the nuclear threat completely”.
Will Hormuz be unblocked?
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, de facto blocked by Iran since the start of the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, is a major issue in the conflict. The virtual blockage of this passage, through which 20% of the hydrocarbons consumed in the world passed before the war, has caused oil prices to soar and is shaking the world economy. Before the hostilities, ships crossed it freely.
Donald Trump spoke of a compromise on Saturday “Broadly shopé” providing for the reopening of the strait. But according to Iranian media, the crossing would remain under Iranian control.
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According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iran does not impose tolls on ships transiting the strait, but does collect fees for «services de navigation». Concerning the American blockade of Iranian ports, Tasnim understands that it should “be fully lifted within 30 daysâ€. Donald Trump, however, declared that this measure would remain “fully in force” until an agreement has been signed.
What about sanctions and assets?
Tehran regularly insists on the freezing of Iranian assets abroad, blocked due to American sanctions.
Iran has ruled out a deal if part of these assets is not released at the first stage and calls for a clear mechanism to guarantee the release of other frozen funds, according to a «source information» city for Tasnim.
According to her, disagreements persist on this issue. The Fars agency reports that sanctions targeting oil, gas and other petrochemical products would be lifted while negotiations continue to allow Iran to export these products, which are essential for its economy.
And Lebanon?
Israel carries out daily strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement negotiated by the United States, claiming to target the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement.
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Iran reiterated Monday that any ceasefire must apply to all fronts in the regional war, including in Lebanon, and Hezbollah said it was confident its ally would not abandon it.
Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless affirmed that Donald Trump had rejected “the right” of Israel “to defend against threats on all fronts, including in Lebanon”.
