World·Middle East
Update: Mediators still work Iran-U.S. Hormuz track; Washington wants nuclear steps first
Mediators are still working with Iran and the United States on a deal to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, three regional officials and two U.S. officials told the Associated Press on Wednesday, even after President Donald Trump publicly rejected Tehran's seven-day proposal. A senior U.S. official told AP the administration will not reach a deal until nuclear issues are addressed and is willing to grant some sanctions relief and frozen-fund releases for concrete nuclear progress, while the sides remain far apart on sequencing. Iran said Wednesday it had received a U.S. response via Qatari mediation, Reuters reported; an official briefed on the talks said the sides largely agree on steps but disagree on order. Brent crude was above $108 as the conflict enters its eighth month, AP reported.
- Associated PressMediators are working to broker a US-Iran deal, but major hurdles remain
- ReutersIran says it receives US response to latest proposal as Washington pulls out of Iraq