The New Arab cited unnamed sources expecting a breakthrough announcement this week, while Bloomberg cited a diplomat who disputed that an agreement was close. Disputes involving sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz coincide with disruptions to shipping and energy supplies.
The New Arab reported Monday that unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations expected a breakthrough to be announced this week. Its account identified Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, a blockade and the Strait of Hormuz as unresolved issues.
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that a diplomat involved in the negotiations disputed suggestions that an agreement was close, while saying discussions were continuing.
A separate account pointed to a condition for holding talks. Reuters, citing state TV, reported that Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the United States would first have to meet Tehran’s conditions as a step toward building trust. In an Oct. 6 statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was mediating between the countries as they exchanged messages.
The uncertainty follows a June interim agreement mediated with Pakistan’s help. Fighting resumed weeks later, according to earlier EconoTimes coverage.
