US and Iran prepare for steps to cool down

According to some Iranian and Western officials, the US and Iran are currently in the process of negotiating Tehran's nuclear program, releasing some US citizens and unfreezing some Iranian assets abroad.

The US and Iran are said to be in the process of negotiating over Tehran's nuclear program. Illustration photo. (Source: Reuters)

The move will be considered a “temporary agreement,” rather than a formal agreement that would require congressional review, the source said, as many US lawmakers oppose the deal, arguing that Iran’s military support for Russia and support for proxy groups have harmed US interests in the region, and that the deal only benefits Tehran.

According to US State Department spokesman Matt Miller, Washington wants Tehran to de-escalate tensions, limit its nuclear program, stop supporting proxy groups in the region and conducting attacks, stop supplying weapons to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and release detained US citizens.

Mr. Miller affirmed that Washington will continue to use diplomatic engagement to pursue all of these goals. However, he also said that the US does not have any agreements with Iran.

After failing to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Washington hopes to restore some restrictions on Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, avoiding triggering a regional arms race.

Meanwhile, Tehran has repeatedly stated that it has no ambitions to develop this type of weapon.

Earlier, at a press conference on June 12, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani announced that the country has continued indirect negotiations with the US through the intermediary of Oman on the 2015 nuclear deal and the prisoner exchange between the two countries.

Mr. Kanani also said that Tehran welcomed the efforts of Omani officials and had sent a message to the US about lifting sanctions through this mediation.

The spokesman also stressed that Iran always ensures to maintain “transparent” dialogue. According to him, in addition to resuming the nuclear deal, the US and Iran are likely to soon agree on a prisoner exchange.

Source