Are the US-Iran negotiations entering the final countdown? Multiple sources indicate that significant differences remain between the US and Iran, with key issues focusing on nuclear concerns, conditions for ending the war, and the unfreezing of assets.
Regarding the negotiations between Iran and the United States, multiple sources indicate that significant differences remain, but limited adjustments have been made by both sides on certain issues. The negotiation focus remains on key areas such as nuclear issues, conditions for ending the war, and the unfreezing of assets.
An Iranian senior official told Reuters on Monday that the US has shown some flexibility, allowing Iran to conduct limited peaceful nuclear activities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, regarding the frozen Iranian assets, the US only agreed to unfreeze about a quarter of them in a phased manner. The official stated that Iran hopes Washington will reconsider these two positions.
The same source noted that in its latest proposal, Iran reiterated its core objectives, which include fully ending the war, restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting maritime sanctions. As for the most controversial nuclear program and uranium enrichment issues, they have been postponed to subsequent negotiation stages.
Key Points of Disagreement: Assets, Nuclear Issues, and Ceasefire Conditions
According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, a source close to the negotiation team pointed out that despite some adjustments in the new document submitted by the US, substantial differences remain on key issues. This person believes that the US position reflects 'greed and a lack of realism.'
The source emphasized that Iran insists the US must compensate for the damages caused by the war, and the frozen Iranian assets must be 'clearly and unequivocally' returned to the Iranian people. Additionally, Iran considers the US demands on the nuclear issue as 'purely political excuses,' stating that Iran 'has no intention of developing nuclear weapons' and that related accusations are 'pretexts and deception.'
Regarding the negotiation framework, Iran explicitly opposes linking the end of the war with nuclear issues. The aforementioned source stated that the US attempt to bind the two is 'illogical,' emphasizing that Iran 'will not agree to end the war in exchange for nuclear commitments under any circumstances.'
Ceasefire Pathways and International Coordination Proposals
According to Al Arabiya TV, Iran’s latest proposal outlines a long-term, phased ceasefire plan. It includes the gradual and secure restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and advocates handling maritime channel issues separately from nuclear topics to reduce negotiation complexity.
On nuclear arrangements, Iran stated it could accept a long-term freeze of its nuclear program but would not agree to complete dismantlement. Meanwhile, Iran proposed that enriched uranium could be 'unconditionally transferred to Russia, not the US.' Additionally, the proposal mentioned that Iran hopes to maintain its stance and image through specific political phrasing.
The proposal also suggests introducing third-party forces to participate in regional stability, such as Pakistan and Oman playing a role in potential frictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran prefers to replace direct war reparations with economic facilitation measures and hopes that any final agreement can receive multiple international guarantees.
Time Pressure and Military Risks
Currently, signals from the U.S. side indicate that the negotiation window is narrowing. According to Al Jazeera citing U.S. sources, Iran has only 'days, not weeks' to submit a substantive proposal to Trump to break the deadlock. The source pointed out that due to the slow progress, Trump's patience is waning, and if no results can be achieved in the short term, the U.S. is more inclined to take military action.
Meanwhile, the regional situation continues to evolve. According to Xinhua News Agency citing Iranian media on May 18, an Iranian liquefied petroleum gas tanker previously sanctioned by the United States has returned after sailing near the Indian coast and successfully docked at Iran's Kharg Island. Reports state that the vessel crossed the blockade line into Iranian waters without being detected.
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