The US has criticized Iran’s latest response to ongoing talks over reviving the nuclear deal (JCPOA) and lifting sanctions. “We are studying Iran’s response, but the bottom line is that it is not at all encouraging,” a White House official told Politico on 1 September. The official added that “based on their answer, we appear to be moving backwards.”

Optimism had been growing in recent days as all parties involved in the talks had appeared to react positively to the EU’s draft proposal, but it was clear that there remained significant obstacles to a final deal being reached (MEES, 26 August). (CONTINUED - 174 WORDS)