Iran: Indirect Talks with US Near Finalizing Memorandum of Understanding

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Pakistan over the past week, have moved towards narrowing differences, but several issues still require discussion through the mediators. Esmail Baqaei said the two sides are finalizing a 14-point memorandum of understanding focusing on ending the war, halting US maritime aggressions, releasing Iran’s frozen assets, and demanding the lifting of sanctions. According to him, after this memorandum is finalized, a 30 to 60-day period will begin for talks on details, including nuclear issues and sanctions. Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s current focus is on ending the war on all fronts, and nuclear matters have not yet entered the detailed negotiations. He also referred to Pakistan as the “official mediator” of the talks and noted that Qatar has played a facilitative role in recent days. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that the outcome of the talks will become clearer in the next three to four days.