Significant differences remain between Iran-US, including on nuclear issues, senior Iranian official says

Significant differences between Iran and the United States remain to reach a deal aimed at ending the war, a senior Iranian official tells Reuters, adding that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is “conditional on US adherence to the terms of a ceasefire.”

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says that “no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issues,” and serious negotiations are required to overcome differences.

He says Tehran hopes that a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days with mediator Pakistan’s efforts, with the possibility of extending the ceasefire to “create space for more talks on lifting sanctions on Iran and securing compensation for war damages”.

“In exchange, Iran will provide assurances to the international community about the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme,” he says, adding that any other “narrative about the ongoing talks is a misrepresentation of the situation.”