Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals
Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals
As the clock ticked down toward a self-set deadline, US President Donald Trump declared a two-week ceasefire to pause the ongoing conflict. The agreement comes amid a critical moment for peace talks, with Pakistan set to host American and Iranian representatives in Islamabad. Discussions could begin as early as Friday, but significant hurdles remain, particularly in aligning the expectations of both parties.
The US and Iran have exchanged proposals, yet their details are still under scrutiny. Trump shared that Iran submitted a 10-point plan, which he deemed a “workable basis for negotiation.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the US’s 15-point proposal, reportedly offering a pathway to end the war. Despite leaked versions circulating in the media, neither framework has been officially released, fueling uncertainty about the terms.
Confusion persists due to conflicting narratives. The White House insists the Iranian proposal seen in the media isn’t the “working framework” shared with US officials. Anwar Gargash, UAE president’s senior diplomatic adviser, noted that “many details remain unclear” and emphasized the need to harmonize statements from Iran, Washington, and the Pakistani mediator.
Central disputes and nuclear claims
The US has long framed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a key justification for military action. Last year’s 12-day war and recent US-Israeli strikes are believed to have crippled Iran’s capacity to rapidly rebuild its nuclear program. However, the fate of 440kg of highly enriched uranium, reportedly buried after attacks on the Nuclear Technology/Research Centre in Isfahan, remains a contentious issue.
“Their dust is deeply buried and watched 24/7,” said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. “There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. Period. Full stop.”
Iran maintains that any resolution must recognize its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Oman, which mediated before the war began, suggested a viable deal was close, but the question of whether the US will accept enrichment remains unresolved.
Missile programs and strategic implications
Washington’s demands also target Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, requiring the suspension of long-range missile development and drone transfers. The Pentagon claims 80% of Iran’s missile facilities, 80% of its air defence systems, and 90% of its weapons factories have been destroyed. This has weakened Iran’s protective umbrella for its nuclear programme, a claim previously used to justify the conflict.
Iran’s willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz hints at a shift in strategy. The country’s control over this vital waterway has caused global economic strain, but its apparent readiness to ease restrictions suggests a potential pivot toward diplomatic solutions. The success of these talks will depend on reconciling the divergent visions of the two sides, with the final outcome still uncertain.
Foreign Minister Araghchi’s comments underscore the complexity of the negotiations, as both parties seek to balance their goals with the urgency of the moment.
