“No Deal”: Iran’s threat blows up emerging US agreement at the last minute

ALBAWABA – The initial optimism over a possible breakthrough between Washington and Tehran is waning as Iranian officials have said that key differences have still to be resolved and the prospects of an agreement being reached anytime soon are in question.

The latest point of contention is over Iran’s desire to access its foreign-held financial assets, which Tehran has said is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any initial settlement with the United States. Iranian media linked to the country’s security apparatus stated that if the debate is not resolved, progress on the broader framework could be stalled.

The warnings came just days after both parties said negotiations had made substantial progress. President Donald Trump said negotiators had made great progress toward an initial agreement, but cautioned them against rushing the process, adding that any final deal must match U.S. objectives.

Trump also underlined that limitations on Iranian naval activity and commercial routes would stay in place until a formal agreement is negotiated and enforced.

But Iranian authorities have continued to urge that the unlocking of frozen cash must be handled in the initial stage of any settlement. Tehran considers the issue as one of its key red lines and is hesitant to seek a compromise without concrete economic concessions, sources close to the discussions said.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have said talks on the country’s nuclear program are independent from the current framework and would probably be put off for further talks if an initial deal is reached.

There are reports of improvement but there are still big hurdles. But the two sides are still at loggerheads on sanctions relief, access to frozen revenues, future nuclear restrictions and larger regional security issues.

The rising tensions highlight the delicate state of the negotiations at a time when diplomats are seeking to turn a temporary ceasefire into a more lasting political settlement. A breakthrough remains possible, but recent comments from both sides suggest the final stages of the discussions may be the most challenging.

The next several days are anticipated to decide whether the negotiations progress toward a formal deal or backslide into further uncertainty, with energy markets and regional stability so tightly related to the decision. 
 

المصدر: Al Bawaba