Trump offers Iran economic relief in exchange for concrete nuclear concessions

US officials have said that President Donald Trump is prepared to ease sanctions on Iran and release frozen Iranian funds if Tehran takes concrete steps regarding its nuclear program.

The US message comes as Qatari and Pakistani mediators are making renewed efforts this week to broker an agreement between the two adversaries.

Currently, the two sides remain far apart on key issues. Iran wants talks to focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while the Trump administration is demanding that Iran agree to nuclear concessions.

However, the offer provides a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic breakthrough after Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal.

Mediators are meeting today with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York to discuss a Qatari proposal negotiated by the parties over the past few days.

Qatari mediators are also expected to meet with Trump administration officials later on Monday or Tuesday in a bid to reach a breakthrough.

A US official familiar with the indirect talks described the discussions as "positive and constructive," adding that Iran "has indicated flexibility on nuclear issues."

But the official also noted there are still gaps, stressing that no agreement will be reached "unless nuclear issues are addressed."

The official said, "The two sides remain divided over the timing of commitments and who should take the first steps."

"Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to increase, and the blockade and sanctions are further weakening Iran’s position. The US position grows stronger by the day, and President Trump remains patient and fully committed to his goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," the official said.
He added that the White House remains skeptical of Iran’s promises, accusing Tehran of violating the last memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July.

The official said, "This time, the United States needs assurances that Iran is serious and not simply trying to escape its difficult situation."