US Reportedly Ready to Ease Iran Sanctions in Exchange for Nuclear Concessions
The Trump administration is reportedly willing to loosen sanctions on Iran and unfreeze Iranian assets if Tehran makes concrete concessions on its nuclear program. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are again trying this week to broker a deal.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to ease sanctions on Iran and unblock frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete steps by Tehran on its nuclear program, according to several US officials cited by Axios and relayed by "European Pravda."
News of possible sanctions relief emerged as mediators from Qatar and Pakistan renewed efforts this week to reach an agreement between the two adversarial nations. The parties' positions on key issues remain far apart: Iran wants talks focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while the Trump administration is demanding that Iran agree to nuclear concessions.
Still, the proposal offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic breakthrough after Trump rejected Iran's most recent offer. On Monday in New York, mediators are meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a Qatari proposal the sides have been negotiating over the past several days. Qatari mediators are expected to meet with Trump administration representatives later Monday or on Tuesday in a further attempt at a breakthrough.
A US official familiar with the indirect talks described them as "positive and constructive," saying Iran had signaled readiness for flexibility on nuclear issues. However, the official noted disagreements remain and stressed there will be no deal until nuclear questions are resolved. The sides have not yet agreed on timelines for fulfilling commitments or on which side must act first.
The official added that the White House remains skeptical of Iranian promises and accused Tehran of violating the last memorandum of understanding by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July. This time, the official said, the US needs guarantees that Iran's intentions are serious rather than an attempt to escape a difficult situation.
Trump earlier expressed confidence his country would win the standoff with Iran "very soon." Iran had previously offered to open the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks within a week if the US lifted its naval blockade, canceled oil sanctions and restored a regional ceasefire — an offer Trump rejected.
