Iran source says U.S. conveyed readiness for talks through mediators

A senior Iranian source said on Sept. 19 that Qatar and Pakistan, acting as mediators, conveyed to Iran that the U.S. was prepared to engage seriously in negotiations and an agreement. The source said Iran would also be ready within days to resume implementing the Islamabad memorandum of understanding if the U.S. returns to the MOU and carries out its terms. Iran is still seeking substantive and credible guarantees that it will not face another attack, the source added. If the U.S. implements the MOU’s core provisions, including halting hostilities, lifting the blockade and allowing Iran to export oil, Iran will immediately begin talks on the nuclear issue and sanctions relief, according to the source. Separately, Iran reached an agreement with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz issue, but said it would not reopen the strait unless the blockade ends and an agreement is reached with the U.S.