U.S. Media Reveals Behind-the-Scenes of U.S.-Iran Agreement Negotiations: Three Major Disagreements Narrowed Under Qatari Mediation

Odaily reported that according to Axios, Trump has previously claimed multiple times that an agreement is close at hand, while Tehran has yet to confirm his latest statement. However, three sources briefed on the negotiations said key differences were resolved during talks between Iranian officials and Qatari mediators on Wednesday. The negotiations in Tehran continued until late Wednesday night, with Qatari Envoy Ali Al-Sawadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi working to bridge the remaining gaps between the United States and Iran.

Sources said that both the Qatari and Iranian sides believed on Wednesday that they had reached a draft agreement text that would also be acceptable to the United States. Differences on three key issues have narrowed: the mechanism for releasing Iran's frozen assets — which is the most important issue for Iran; arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz during a 60-day ceasefire; and how to negotiate Iran's nuclear program during the 60-day ceasefire period.

Iranian officials informed several countries on Thursday that the Tehran talks have resulted in an agreement in principle, but Supreme Leader Khamenei still needs to give final approval. (Jin Shi)