Iranian media outlets reported today that Washington and Tehran have exchanged a series of preliminary conditions to resume bilateral negotiations, amid the fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April.

According to the semi-official Fars news agency, the United States presented five demands considered «essential» to begin a new negotiating process with Iran.

Among the conditions mentioned are the transfer to US territory of 400 kilograms of Iranian enriched uranium, the suspension of activities at all Iranian nuclear facilities except one, and the refusal to release frozen Iranian assets or pay financial compensation to Tehran.

The US proposal would also link progress in the talks to maintaining a ceasefire on all regional fronts.

According to the same report, Iran responded by setting out as requirements the lifting of economic sanctions, the release of blocked assets, the payment of war reparations, and the recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran also demanded the definitive cessation of hostilities on various regional fronts, including Lebanon.

So far, no US or Iranian authorities have made official statements regarding the information published by Fars.

Tensions between the two countries increased following the war that began on 28 February between the United States, Israel and Iran, a conflict that left thousands dead and prompted attacks on military installations and strategic targets across the region.

Subsequently, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, including those located in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage for global energy trade.

In response, Iran partially restricted maritime traffic in the area, amid fears of a resumption of the conflict and a prolonged impact on international energy markets and global inflation.