US, Iran Nuclear Talks in Final Phase, US Officials Say

WASHINGTON, United States — Negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program have reached a critical stage, with U.S. officials confirming the discussions are in their final phase. U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with American nuclear experts at a National Laboratory in Tennessee to advance the talks, according to officials familiar with the matter. The discussions have grown serious, though it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached. Significant disagreements persist over certain details of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. One key sticking point centers on Iran's frozen assets held abroad. Iran is seeking an immediate payment of $12 billion upon signing a preliminary agreement, while the United States wants to condition the release of funds on Tehran's compliance with its commitments. The approximately $100 billion in Iranian assets frozen abroad is considered a key leverage tool by the U.S. administration in the nuclear negotiations.