US says biggest Iran nuclear deal issues 'largely settled'

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Tuesday that many of the most pressing details to get Washington and Iran to return to compliance with the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement have been generally agreed upon.

The "big issues" have been "largely settled," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. That includes sanctions relief the US provided to Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the curbs Iran is to accept on its nuclear program, said Price.

"What could be negotiated has been negotiated," he said.

Indirect talks between Iran and the US, mediated by the EU, concluded in Vienna earlier this month with a draft of the agreement being reached. Iran has submitted its response to the European Union's draft text aimed at salvaging the accord, which the bloc is currently examining.

Price said the US has received the Iranian response to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's draft text and remains in consultation with the EU and European nations "on the way ahead."

"We agree with Mr. Burrell's fundamental points," said Price. "We'll continue to study what has been submitted. We'll continue to consult closely with EU with our European allies, other partners, and when we have more to say we'll share that."

Former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018 and went on to pursue what he and his administration called a "maximum pressure campaign" to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table to craft a more comprehensive agreement.

That never happened. Instead, Tehran retaliated against Trump's reimposition of sweeping sanctions, and the addition of new economic penalties, by stepping back from its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. Tehan has since exceeded thresholds on the enrichment of uranium, as well as the amount it is allowed to possess, under the pact.​​​​​​​