Trump says US-Iran deal remains possible
US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran remains possible as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Al Jazeera.
According to Trump, the two sides held “very good” talks over the past 24 hours on ending the war that has been ongoing for more than two months. The US president said the chances of reaching an agreement remain high.
Iran also confirmed that consultations are continuing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the US proposal is still under review.
According to Al Jazeera, citing sources in Tehran, Iran is not currently discussing its nuclear programme. The main focus is on ending hostilities, lifting sanctions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and obtaining guarantees from the UN Security Council. Only after that would Tehran be ready to move to a second phase of negotiations related to the nuclear issue.
Amid the talks, Iran also announced that its ports are prepared to provide support services to commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. According to IRNA, ship captains have been offered fuel supplies, medical assistance and technical maintenance services. In addition, the country has established a new coordinating body, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, to oversee navigation and vessel coordination in the region.