US supports EU proposal for a return to the 2015 Iran deal

The United States indicates it is willing to adopt a new European Union proposal for a mutual return to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

In a statement, the US State Department describes the tabled draft as “the best and only basis on which to reach a deal.”

“For our part, our position is clear: we stand ready to quickly conclude a deal on the basis of the EU’s proposals,” the State Department says, indicating the deal’s restoration was up to Iran.

“They (Iran) repeatedly say they are prepared for a return to mutual implementation,” the spokesperson added. “Let’s see if their actions match their words.”

Iran, for its part, sounded guarded, raising skepticism about the chances for a breakthrough after a months-long stalemate.

“Naturally, the cases require comprehensive study,” IRNA quotes an anonymous senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official as saying. “We will transfer our views and supplementary points.”

But Western diplomats have warned that time is running short, as Iran’s nuclear program rapidly advances under diminishing international oversight. They also worry that looming midterm elections in the US could empower Republicans who oppose the accord.