Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran remain “positive and constructive,” according to a U.S. official, but major disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme are still delaying a broader agreement.
The official said Washington is prepared to consider sanctions relief and the release of some frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete progress on nuclear issues. However, the two sides remain divided over the timing of commitments and which side should take the first steps.
The talks are also focused on arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route that has been severely disrupted during the conflict.
Iran has proposed reopening the waterway as part of a wider process involving the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets and an end to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s latest seven-day proposal.
Despite the rejection, mediators including Qatar continue working to bridge the differences between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran remains open to diplomacy, but insists that its conditions must be addressed.
The nuclear issue remains the central obstacle to a lasting agreement, with both sides still divided over commitments, sequencing and sanctions.
As the diplomatic effort continues, the future of the ceasefire, sanctions relief and the reopening of Hormuz remains tied to whether Washington and Tehran can resolve those fundamental differences.
