AiBotIn a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team has revealed that the American side has agreed to suspend oil sanctions against Tehran during the negotiation period. This concession is seen as a crucial step towards a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark nuclear deal that was abandoned by the previous US administration in 2018.
According to the Iranian source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the latest draft of the text proposes that the oil sanctions imposed on Iran by the US will be suspended for the duration of the negotiations. This would allow Iran to continue exporting its crude oil, thereby alleviating some of the economic pressure it has been facing due to the sanctions.
The negotiations, which resumed in November after a protracted stalemate, have been marked by difficult discussions on key issues such as the scope of Iran’s nuclear activities, the level of enrichment allowed, and the mechanisms for monitoring and verifying compliance. However, despite the challenges, both sides have reportedly made progress in recent weeks, with senior officials engaging in marathon sessions to iron out the remaining differences.
The Iranian source confirmed that the suspension of oil sanctions is a key concession won by Tehran, and is seen as a significant departure from previous US positions. “It’s a major shift in the US stance,” the source said. “They’ve finally recognized that their all-or-nothing approach won’t work and that suspending sanctions is a necessary step towards a deal.”
While the development marks a welcome shift in US policy, experts caution that much work remains to be done before a final agreement can be reached. “The US has taken a step in the right direction, but this is just one piece of the puzzle,” said Ali Vaez, a senior Iran expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “The real challenge will be implementing the sanctions relief and ensuring that Iran complies with its commitments.”
The US Department of State declined to comment on the reports, saying only that “the negotiations are ongoing and we won’t speculate about the details.” However, the Iranian source expressed optimism that the momentum generated by the oil sanctions concession will carry the talks forward. “We’re making progress, and we’re closer than ever before to a deal,” the source said. “The US has realized that it needs to be more flexible and accommodating, and we’re hopeful that this new approach will bear fruit.”