CNN: Intense Pressure on Washington and Tehran to Reach an Agreement

SadaNews - CNN reported, citing informed sources, that mediators are exerting pressure on Iran and the United States to reach an agreement.

CNN quoted the sources as saying that mediators are intensifying their pressure on Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement, emphasizing that the next few days will be "particularly crucial."

According to the sources, there looms the possibility that the United States may decide to return to war with Iran.

Nevertheless, the sources, according to CNN, believe that Iran and the U.S. are not as far apart as they seem.

The sources added that there are ongoing intensive diplomatic efforts behind the scenes, noting that the current discussions are focused on a phased process where the first part of any potential agreement centers on returning to the status quo prior to the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or imposing fees.

Iran has offered to end the closure of the Strait of Hormuz without reaching a nuclear agreement, according to two regional officials familiar with the proposal on Monday.

Iran also wants the U.S. to lift its blockade on the country as part of its proposal, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as reported by the Associated Press.

It is unlikely that the new proposal introduced by Pakistan to the United States will receive support from President Donald Trump, who wants to end Iran's nuclear program as part of a comprehensive agreement that includes the Strait of Hormuz for a permanent ceasefire.

Trump told Fox News on Sunday: "We have all the cards. If they want to talk to us, they can come to us or call us."

For her part, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated that President Trump's national security team held a meeting on Monday and discussed the Iranian proposal, but she did not provide any details about the content of the discussions or how to handle the offer, noting that Trump will address the matter later.

In light of a fragile ceasefire, the United States and Iran are in confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and gas trade flows in peacetime.

The U.S. blockade aims to prevent Iran from selling its oil, depriving it of vital revenues, and may put Tehran in a position where it has to halt production due to a lack of storage for oil.

Conversely, the closure of the strait has increased pressure on Trump, as oil and gasoline prices have risen significantly ahead of the crucial midterm elections.