US approves Qatar-presented draft deal with Iran: Sources

The US has approved a draft memorandum of understanding presented to Iran by Qatari mediators Monday, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

“The mediation team briefed Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the memorandum, which they also approved,” the sources told Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

The newspaper said Washington and Tehran have made concessions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and frozen assets.

“Tehran will announce a concession on its nuclear program in return for Washington announcing the release of part of Iran’s frozen assets,” the sources said, noting that the announcements would be made simultaneously.

Discussions are underway on arrangements for both sides to announce the agreement simultaneously, including the initial steps and the announcement of an interim deal that would pave the way for renewed negotiations.

Tensions in the Middle East have remained high since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and US assets in the region before a ceasefire agreement was reached in April.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on June 18, but its implementation stalled over disagreements concerning security in the strait.