U.S. media reveals behind-the-scenes of U.S.-Iran agreement negotiations: Three major differences narrowed under Qatari mediation

Odaily reported that according to Axios, Trump has previously claimed multiple times that an agreement is close, while Tehran has not yet confirmed 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 late into Wednesday night, with Qatari special envoy Ali Al-Sawadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi working to bridge the remaining differences between the United States and Iran.

Sources said that the Qatari and Iranian sides believed on Wednesday that they had reached a draft agreement that the US would also accept. Differences on three key issues have narrowed: the mechanism for releasing Iran's frozen assets—this is Iran's most important issue; 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.

Iranian officials told multiple countries on Thursday that the Tehran talks had produced an agreement in principle, but Supreme Leader Khamenei still needs to give final approval. (Jinshi)