US and Iran Scale Back Ambitions, Seek Interim Deal to Prevent Conflict

Diplomats from the United States and Iran have significantly lowered their ambitions for a comprehensive peace agreement. Instead, they are now focused on negotiating a temporary memorandum of understanding aimed at preventing a renewed conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the next meeting between the two nations could take place this weekend. The current round of talks has seen both sides narrow their list of objectives, concentrating on a limited set of de-escalation steps rather than sweeping deals.

The discussions are now centered on practical, targeted measures designed to reduce tensions and keep the diplomatic channel open. "The parties are striving for practical results that can be implemented quickly," according to reports.

Potential packages of reciprocal concessions could include humanitarian steps and limited measures concerning Iran's nuclear program in exchange for a partial easing of US pressure. A senior Iranian official stated that the sides have "begun to reduce some disagreements, including on regulating the Strait of Hormuz."

Iran, which has faced crippling US sanctions for years, is seeking a memorandum that would see Washington unfreeze a portion of Iranian funds in return for allowing more ships to pass through the strategic strait.

However, key disagreements persist over more fundamental issues. These include the fate of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), which the US wants removed from the country, and the duration of any suspension of Iran's nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment.

Should an agreement to halt hostilities be reached, Iranian sources indicate that both sides would have 60 days to negotiate a final document with input from technical experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The backdrop to these talks is the 2015 international nuclear deal (JCPOA), which restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. In 2018, President Trump withdrew the United States from that agreement.