Iran Holds Nuclear Talks Hostage Until Interim Deal Is Implemented

The US and Iran are at an impasse in nuclear negotiations, with Tehran refusing to engage until a proposed interim deal is implemented. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the country will not participate in nuclear talks until the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is fully implemented.

The MoU contains 14 articles that focus on regional de-escalation, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending naval blockades at Iranian ports. These issues are considered non-negotiable by both sides, with Iran seeking to establish its sovereignty over the strait in collaboration with Oman.

Nuclear discussions will be deferred until a 60-day second phase begins after the interim deal is implemented. This means that sanctions relief, which could fundamentally change Iran's reliance on cryptocurrency infrastructure, remains distant. The US Treasury has already frozen approximately $344 million in crypto assets linked to Iranian networks in April 2026.