The Real Deal? Are Washington and Tehran Closer to a Compromise?

On April 12 in Oman, the administration of President Donald J. Trump took the first steps toward nuclear negotiations with Iran. The indirect discussions went well enough to warrant a second round. And despite mixed messages from the Trump administration over whether it wants Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear program, Iranian officials said they would keep talking to U.S. officials and focus on what negotiators say in private.  

As the two sides move toward a substantive negotiation over the future of Tehran’s nuclear program, what is motivating Iran to come to the negotiating table? And is Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looking to make a deal with the Trump administration? How do various Iranian stakeholders view these negotiations? On the other hand, what is motivating the Trump administration to pursue these negotiations? What are the U.S. demands? And will Iranian negotiators accept them to avert war and bring about economic relief? What role are Gulf partners playing in these negotiations?

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