US Approves Qatar-Presented Draft Deal to Ease Iran Tensions

US – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – US approves Qatar-presented draft memorandum of understanding, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke on Tuesday. Qatari mediators had presented the draft to Iran a day earlier.

The sources told Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Saudi Arabia and the UAE were briefed on the draft. They also approved it.

The report says both Washington and Tehran have made concessions. These cover Iran’s nuclear programme and its frozen assets.

Under the plan, Iran would announce a concession on its nuclear programme. In return, the US would announce the release of part of Iran’s frozen assets. Both announcements would be made at the same time.

Talks are now underway on how to time the joint announcement. The plan also includes first steps and an interim deal. This would pave the way for fresh negotiations.

Iran says the US response is not convincing

Iran, however, sounded firm. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said the US reply to Iran’s demands was not convincing.

He said Washington must respond clearly to all seven conditions and fulfil them. Only then, he said, would the Strait of Hormuz reopen.

Reports say the seven conditions include a ceasefire across the Middle East and the release of frozen Iranian assets. They also include lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, ending the US naval blockade, war reparations, a US troop withdrawal and an end to threats and interference.

Qatar says both sides are still talking

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said both sides remain committed to mediation. He said proposals are being exchanged in real time.

He added that there is still a chance for a deal. Such a deal could set the stage for future negotiations.

The Qatari team that went to Tehran has returned to Doha, but talks continue. Al-Ansari said regional efforts are underway to avoid escalation.

Tensions at sea and in the air

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy said three oil tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. It said the ships entered unauthorised lanes with tracking systems switched off. All three caught fire.

Overnight, the US carried out what it called defensive strikes on Iran’s Qeshm island. A US official said they targeted surface-to-air missiles. Another official said the strikes looked limited.

Iran’s Guards also said they shot down a US MQ-9 drone and two Lucas drones near the strait.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the two sides remain far from a deal. He said nuclear talks can begin only after Iran’s conditions are met.

Oil prices rose by about $1 on Tuesday. They had fallen more than 7 percent a day earlier on hopes of progress.

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Iran hit back at Israel and US assets before a ceasefire was agreed in April. A June 18 memorandum on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz later stalled over security disputes.