OMM Newsroom
The United States has approved a draft memorandum of understanding presented to Iran by Qatari mediators on Monday, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The mediation team briefed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the memorandum, and both countries approved it, the sources told the Qatari newspaper “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed”.
Washington and Tehran have made concessions concerning Iran’s nuclear programme and frozen assets, the newspaper reported. Tehran is expected to announce a concession on its nuclear programme in return for Washington announcing the release of part of Iran’s frozen assets, the sources said. The announcements would be made simultaneously.
Discussions are under way on how both sides will announce the agreement at the same time, including the initial steps and the announcement of an interim deal that would pave the way for renewed negotiations.
Tensions in the Middle East have remained high since the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and US assets in the region before a ceasefire agreement was reached in April.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on June 18, but its implementation stalled over disagreements concerning security in the strait.
