Receive free US-Iran tensions updates
We’ll send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest US-Iran tensions news every morning.
The US and Iran are on the verge of a significant breakthrough, as they prepare to exchange prisoners after lengthy negotiations. This exchange, if successful, could potentially lead to a de-escalation of tensions between the two nations.
In a carefully orchestrated process, five dual nationals from America and Iran will be released by their respective countries on Monday. The Americans will be flown to Qatar, while the Iranians will be freed from American prisons.
However, this exchange is contingent upon the transfer of $6 billion in Iran’s frozen oil revenue from South Korea to bank accounts in Qatar. These funds will be closely monitored to ensure that Iran uses the money for non-sanctioned goods. Nasser Kanaani, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, expressed hope that this transfer would be completed on Monday, allowing for the prisoner exchange to take place.
Qatari officials have confirmed that the $6 billion has been transferred to Qatar from South Korea, via Switzerland. A Qatari aircraft is on standby in Tehran, ready to transport the American citizens to Doha on Monday morning.
This prisoner exchange comes after months of indirect talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Qatar and Oman. The hope is that this breakthrough will build trust and create an environment for further discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Additionally, the US and Iran have been discussing ways to de-escalate tensions and address the nuclear issue. Iran has agreed not to target Americans and to cap its uranium enrichment at 60% purity, below weapons grade. In return, Iran expects the US to refrain from imposing further sanctions that would harm its economy.
The US has also been urging Iran to stop selling drones and spare parts to Russia, which have been used in the war in Ukraine. However, no agreement has been reached on this matter.
Despite the challenges, many believe that the prisoner exchange can help contain the nuclear crisis and reduce the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East. This is seen as a positive step for the Biden administration, as it fulfills a promise to bring home unjustly detained American citizens.
The US-Iran tensions have been escalating since former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord and imposed numerous sanctions on Iran. Efforts to revive the deal under the Biden administration have faced obstacles, and it is uncertain if the accord can be salvaged given Iran’s nuclear advancements.
According to US officials, Iran has the capability to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon in just two weeks. As a result, the Biden administration’s best strategy is to contain the crisis and pursue serious negotiations if the president secures a second term.
For Iran, the unfreezing of $6 billion in oil revenue will provide much-needed foreign currency as the country grapples with a struggling economy and high inflation.
The US is also urging Iran to improve its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran’s nuclear activities. However, there have been mixed signals from Tehran, as it has slowed uranium enrichment but continues to frustrate the IAEA in other aspects.
The identities of the Iranians to be released from US prisons have not been disclosed. According to Nasser Kanaani, two of them will return to Iran, one will go to a third country, and two will remain in the US.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
