Qatar awaits Iran’s response to new nuclear proposal offering sanctions relief

Qatar is awaiting a response from Tehran to a new proposal that could see Iran take a limited step on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and potentially the release of frozen funds, two regional diplomats told The Jerusalem Post. The response could come as early as Thursday.The measure under consideration would involve allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to return to Iran's nuclear sites in return for sanctions relief.

On Tuesday, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi briefed members of the UN Security Council, saying that only the return of inspectors to the ground could provide an accurate picture of the current state of Iran's nuclear program."I invite Iran to work with the IAEA without any further delay to clarify outstanding safeguards questions and to give the IAEA the information and access the agency requires, so that it can verify all relevant facilities and material, as is Iran's legal obligation," Grossi said.

The proposal comes amid continued difficulties in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iran has demanded that the US lift its blockade and provide some sanctions relief before discussions on its nuclear program can begin. The Trump administration, however, has insisted that Iran take an initial step on the nuclear issue from the outset of any agreement.Potentially last opportunity for Iran to make a deal before Trump decides to strikeThe return of IAEA inspectors could offer a potential starting point for bridging the gap between the two sides, while allowing the international community to assess the status of Iran's nuclear activities.Senior officials from the mediating countries told Iranian officials that this deal might be "the last chance before President Trump might decide to launch a military operation against Iran".“As President Trump stated, Iran is in very bad condition, both economically and militarily, and the blockade will remain in full force and effect, with oil flowing in record numbers of barrels through the Hormuz Strait."The United States will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections", Anna Kelly, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary, told the Jerusalem Post.

The midterms will be held next Tuesday. Kelly also added that “As President Trump stated, Iran is in very bad condition, both economically and militarily, and the blockade will remain in full force and effect, with oil flowing in record numbers of barrels through the Hormuz Strait".