US-Iran negotiations have reached an impasse, raising the risk of further escalation - Axios
A new round of indirect negotiations between the US and Iran mediated by Qatar has brought the sides virtually no closer to a compromise. Washington and Tehran are not ready to make concessions on key issues, and the prolonged diplomatic deadlock increases the risk of a fresh escalation of military confrontation. This was reported by Axios citing three sources familiar with the course of the negotiations.
On Monday, Qatari mediator Ali al-Tawadi spent several hours discussing a two-page compromise plan with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposal was intended to simultaneously address Tehran's demand for the lifting of the American sea blockade and Washington's demand for Iranian concessions on the nuclear program.
After talks with the Iranian side, al-Tawadi held consultations in Washington with the representative of the US president, Jared Kushner, and other American officials. Vice President JD Vance also took part in part of the meeting. However, according to Axios interlocutors, no significant progress was achieved.
One of the publication's sources explained that Tehran is demanding conditions that Washington is not prepared to accept, while the American side believes its negotiating position is strong enough not to rush to compromise. Pakistan and Egypt also called on Iran to agree to concessions on the nuclear program, but Tehran insists that the US return to the agreements set out in the June memorandum.
This outcome is part of a continuing pattern of conflicting signals from Washington. Previously, American officials told Axios that the talks had been "positive and constructive" and that Iran had shown willingness to be flexible on nuclear issues. It was also reported at the time that the Donald Trump administration was considering easing sanctions and unfreezing some Iranian assets in exchange for concrete nuclear concessions.
Trump himself later publicly denied that he had offered Tehran such terms. This was previously reported by Current Ukraine.
According to Axios sources, the lack of progress is increasing concerns about a possible return to large-scale hostilities. American officials allow that Trump could authorize major military operations after the US midterm elections. The president himself told reporters on Tuesday that in his opinion, Iran will eventually be forced to make concessions on the nuclear program.
Qatari mediators intend to continue consultations, although according to Axios, they are increasingly frustrated by both sides' unwillingness to change their positions.
