The directive to suspend action against Iran was distributed to the National Security Council, the Treasury Department and the State Department. It also affects US policy toward China, which purchases 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Some officials view the move as merely a slowdown to reassess future measures, while others fear it signals a broader suspension.
Given the advanced stage of negotiations, sources indicated little expectation for expanding the scope of topics under discussion, CNN reported.
Tensions between the White House and Jerusalem surfaced publicly as President Donald Trump confirmed that he had warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to undermine nuclear negotiations with Iran.
According to Trump administration officials who spoke with the NYT, the Israeli leader made it clear Israel might take out enrichment facilities in Islamic republic, leading to a rare standoff between the allies.
The office of President Donald Trump announced that a sixth round of negotiations on a new nuclear agreement with Iran will resume in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Wednesday. Members of the Iranian parliament’s rejected any compromise over Iran’s ability to continue enriching uranium.
The US has not yet abandoned its ultimate demand that Iran halt all uranium enrichment on its soil, according to a senior American official. The official said the possibility of a preliminary agreement had been raised, under which Iran would take steps indicating its willingness to completely renounce nuclear weapons. The administration is weighing the option of delaying some of the punitive measures currently in place against Tehran.
Iran's leader expresses pessimism on nuclear negotiations with United States ahead of a new round of negotiations. Key disagreements appear to be regarding Iran's enrichment capabilities of uranium.
Jerusalem on edge as Trump hints at breakthrough in Iran talks, which could result in deal as early as this week. Trump is determined to return from his visit to the Gulf states with a major diplomatic announcement, and Israeli officials worry that an agreement with Iran could be that prize.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took the proposal to Tehran to consult with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other senior officials.
Trump suggested that Iran has "sort of agreed" to the terms of a potential agreement, though he provided no details on the framework or timeline.