Sources: US and Iran Scale Back Ambitions for Comprehensive Peace Deal, Shift Focus to Interim Agreement

Odaily Two Iranian sources stated that US and Iranian negotiators have scaled back their ambitions for a comprehensive peace deal and are now seeking an interim memorandum to avoid a relapse into conflict. Following the inconclusive talks in Islamabad last weekend, deep-seated differences over the nuclear program (such as the disposition of the enriched uranium stockpile and the timeline for halting nuclear activities) continue to impede progress. A senior Iranian official indicated that the two sides have narrowed their differences on issues like the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran hopes the memorandum will include the unfreezing of some Iranian funds by the US in exchange for allowing more vessels to pass through the strait. A source briefed by Tehran said that according to Iran's proposal, if a lasting agreement can be reached, vessels could pass freely through the Omani side of the strait without being attacked. However, more profound disagreements remain, including the fate of the high-enriched uranium stockpile and the timeline for halting nuclear work. Iranian sources said that if a memorandum to halt conflict is reached, the two sides are expected to have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement, which would require the involvement of experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (Reuters)