Trump ready to ease sanctions, unfreeze assets in exchange for Iranian nuclear concessions

• For now, the two sides are far apart on key issues. Iran wants negotiations to focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while the Trump administration demands that Iran accept nuclear concessions.
• But the offer offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic breakthrough after Trump rejected Iran’s latest offer.

Driving the news: The mediators are meeting in New York today with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a Qatari proposal that the parties have negotiated in recent days.

• Qatari mediators are expected to meet with Trump administration officials later Monday or Tuesday to try to reach a breakthrough.
• A U.S. official familiar with the indirect talks called them “positive and constructive” and said Iran “has indicated that it is flexible on nuclear issues.”
• But the official also noted that there were still differences and stressed that there would be no agreement “unless the nuclear issues are resolved.”
• “The parties remain divided on the timing of commitments and who will take what steps first,” the official said.

What they say: “Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues to increase and the blockade and sanctions continue to degrade Iran’s position. The U.S. position strengthens every day and President Trump remains patient and fully committed to his goal that Iran never possesses nuclear weapons,” the official said.

• The person added that the White House was skeptical of Iran’s promises and accused the Iranians of breaking the latest memorandum of understanding by shooting at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz in July.
• “This time, the United States needs assurance that Iran is serious and that they are not the only ones trying to get out of the difficult situation they find themselves in,” the official said.