Iran Ties Nuclear Talks to Interim Deal

Tehran has indicated that further nuclear negotiations with the United States will be conditional on the implementation of an interim agreement currently being prepared. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding had not yet been signed and remained subject to adjustment.

Araghchi said the agreement was intended to bring about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an easing of tensions across several conflict zones in the region. He also rejected the notion that control of the strategic strait would revert to its pre-conflict status, stressing that it remains under the joint authority of Iran and Oman, with Tehran responsible for the safety of international shipping.

The remarks come as the United States has spoken of an imminent breakthrough in the negotiations, while the Iranian side has cautioned that a final agreement is not yet in place and several details remain unresolved.

(reuters)