Iran has dropped some of its main demands on resurrecting a deal to rein in Tehran's nuclear program, including its insistence that international inspectors close some probes of its atomic program, bringing the possibility of an agreement closer, a senior U.S. official told Reuters.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that although Tehran has been saying Washington has made concessions, Iran has dropped some of its key demands. "They came back last week and basically dropped the main hang-ups to a deal," the official said.
"We think they have finally crossed the Rubicon and moved toward possibly getting back into the deal on terms that President Biden can accept," the official added. "If we are closer today, it's because Iran has moved. They conceded on issues that they have been holding onto from the beginning."
The official said that gaps remain between the United States and Iran and that "it could take a little longer" to come to a final agreement, if one is possible.
"We’re studying Iran’s response now and we'll get back to them soon," the official said.
Washington would have to lift some sanctions under the terms of the agreement, but U.S. officials say returning to the deal is crucial. "If we get this deal, yes, we do lift some sanctions, but Iran has to dismantle its nuclear program," the official said.
The nuclear deal between Iran and world powers appeared near revival in March after 11 months of indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Vienna.
