US and Iran Move Closer to Nuclear Deal as Tehran Signals Flexibility

The U.S. and Iran are moving closer to a potential breakthrough in ending their war, with Tehran now willing to discuss previously off-limits nuclear program issues, according to a diplomat familiar with the talks. Iran is studying proposals on its atomic activities presented by mediator Qatar, and any concession could significantly advance negotiations that have stalled since an interim peace deal collapsed in June. President Donald Trump discussed de-escalation efforts with Qatar’s leader on Friday. The war, which began with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, has driven up energy prices and contributed to a Democratic sweep in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections. Iran has long demanded the lifting of a naval blockade, while any commitment to greater nuclear transparency could help move the peace process forward.