Mediators urge Iran to make nuclear concessions to revive US ceasefire talks

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that mediators involved in the talks are pressuring Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program in order to resume ceasefire negotiations with the United States.

Sources described the move as an attempt to persuade Iran to appease US President Donald Trump on what he considers the most important issue.

According to sources cited by the newspaper, prospects for de-escalation between the US and Iran remain limited so far, and mediators have asked Iran to make clear concessions regarding its nuclear program.

The sources noted that Trump is skeptical about the success of diplomacy with Iran and is unwilling to return to the previous memorandum of understanding.

The newspaper added that Iran has shown little sign of willingness to discuss its nuclear program with mediators.

According to Middle Eastern officials in regular contact with Tehran, Iranian leaders are confident in their ability to withstand a prolonged US blockade or another round of American airstrikes.

A senior government official involved in the talks revealed that Iran was close to making concessions earlier this year during negotiations with US Vice President J.D. Vance, but requested guarantees that it would not be attacked by Israel after any agreement with the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated last Thursday in New York that Iran had presented the US with a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, noting that implementation of the agreement depends on meeting specific conditions.

In response, Trump announced on Saturday that he rejected the proposal, asserting that Iran is seeking to reopen the strait quickly due to its significant losses.

In the same context, the newspaper reported that Trump told his aides he expects strikes on Iran to resume after the midterm elections in November, as he doubts the possibility of reaching an agreement on terms acceptable to Washington.