The United States is holding positive and constructive discussions with Iran through mediators as both sides consider returning to negotiations. President Donald Trump is willing to provide sanctions relief and release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete progress on a nuclear deal, but a US official said no agreement is possible without resolving nuclear issues. Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable and said he expects further talks this week. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading the US effort. Iran has indicated flexibility on nuclear matters, but the sides remain divided over when commitments would take effect. US officials, including US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, have questioned Tehran’s negotiating position and cited Iran’s violation of a July US-Iran memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels.