BlockBeats News, April 16th - According to Reuters, two Iranian sources have stated that U.S. and Iranian negotiators have scaled back their ambitions for a comprehensive peace deal and are now seeking a temporary memorandum to avoid sliding back into conflict. Following a fruitless round of talks in Islamabad over the weekend, deep divisions remain on the nuclear program, such as the destination of enriched uranium stocks and the timeline for halting nuclear work, hindering progress in the negotiations. A senior Iranian official indicated that the two sides have narrowed their differences on issues like the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is seeking for the memorandum to include the U.S. unfreezing some funds in exchange for allowing more ships to pass through the strait.

A source briefed on Tehran's briefing said that under Iran's proposal, if a lasting agreement is reached, ships could transit freely through the Oman side of the strait without the threat of attacks. However, deeper divisions persist, including the fate of highly enriched uranium stocks and the timeline for halting nuclear work. Iranian sources said that if a memorandum to stop hostilities is reached, it is expected that the two sides will have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement, which would require the involvement of experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (via Jinse)