US, Iran Hold Talks on Sanctions Relief, Nuclear Program Limits

Iran’s negotiating team has told a domestic news agency that any potential agreement with the United States must include the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. A source close to the team said the 14-point memorandum of understanding under discussion calls for the blocked resources to be released during the negotiations.

The same source added that half the amount, $12 billion, would be released when the memorandum is announced and the remaining $12 billion within 60 days.

Iran’s top negotiator traveled to Qatar to discuss a mechanism for implementing the demand. The source described the talks as “good overall” and said they “led to progress in the overall negotiations.” The source also noted that Iran views the United States as an unreliable party and is therefore approaching the issues with caution.

Iran’s president told military commanders that regional countries have concluded U.S. military presence in the Gulf has failed to ensure lasting security. He called for updating Iran’s defense structure and greater use of universities and knowledge-based companies to acquire new technologies.

Witnesses in Gaza’s al-Maghazi refugee camp reported five people killed in a drone strike after confrontations with armed groups.