IAEA sees U.S.-Iran close to deal as uranium remains hurdle

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the United States and Iran are close to a nuclear deal after separate communications with both sides continued. He said the deal is technically possible, although issues beyond the IAEA's mandate still must be resolved by the negotiators. At the same time, talks remain stalled over the fate of Iran's enriched uranium, limits on Tehran's nuclear activities, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has not received final approval from the Iranian side. Tehran also is not prepared to hand over the uranium unless about US$12 billion in frozen U.S. assets are released. The dialogue is taking place after a ceasefire on 7 April following a war that broke out on 28 February.