Anticipation, pushback in Iran as mediators work to finalise deal with US

Article excerpt

Negotiators are racing to finalize a deal between Iran and the US as tensions spike over whether Israel will undermine the agreement. In Iran, officials express both hope for relief from economic sanctions and deep skepticism that Washington will honor any commitment. Israel's recent attacks on Beirut signal its intent to disrupt the talks, according to analysts monitoring the negotiations. The competing interests, Iran seeking sanctions relief, the US pursuing a new accord, and Israel determined to prevent it, are colliding as mediators push toward a resolution.