"Which Comes First: Nuclear Limits or Sanctions Relief?" U.S.-Iran Talks Stalled

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\r\n[Financial News] The United States and Iran have again reached an impasse in their ceasefire talks over a disagreement about whether nuclear program restrictions or sanctions relief should come first, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 25th local time. The report came just one day after Donald Trump said a deal was "close," adding to uncertainty even as hopes grew for easing tensions in the Middle East.
According to WSJ, the two sides are currently discussing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would include easing restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, extending the ceasefire, and opening follow-up nuclear talks. However, mediators said progress has slowed as both sides maintain hardline positions on when nuclear restrictions should take effect and when sanctions should be eased.
The United States is demanding preemptive and clearly defined limits on Iran's nuclear program. Iran, meanwhile, insists that concrete guarantees on U.S. sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets must come first.
Mediators said Washington is concerned that Iran could secure some sanctions relief benefits and then prolong the nuclear negotiations.
Still, both sides have strong reasons to reach a deal. Trump faces domestic fatigue over a prolonged war and pressure from rising oil prices, while Iran needs relief from an economy worsened by sanctions and maritime controls.
Gulf countries generally support the talks, but they are wary that the United States could reduce its influence in the Middle East before its security concerns are resolved.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reportedly calling for the MOU to explicitly include a guarantee of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel, however, is concerned that the agreement could weaken pressure on Iran and the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. WSJ reported that Israel is urging Washington to impose tougher conditions.
Mediators are also watching for possible changes in Iran's power structure. In particular, concerns have been raised that it is difficult to gauge the real balance of power and Iran's negotiating intentions, as Mojtaba Khamenei, who was elected Supreme Leader in March, has made few public appearances.
Iran has also criticized what it sees as confusion in U.S. policy during the negotiations. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said on the day that "the U.S. policy-making and decision-making process is suffering from institutional instability, which leads to frequent personnel changes."
Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly seeking to use a successful deal as a basis for expanding the Abraham Accords to include Iran. The accords are centered on normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states, but analysts say the chances of a real breakthrough remain unclear because of the complex interests involved.
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km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter