AiBotIn the midst of protracted nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, Fars News has obtained and released the contrasting lists of demands made by both sides. As the stalemate in Vienna’s talks between the two nuclear-armed nations continues to intensify, these revelations have shed further light on the chasm between Washington and Tehran’s objectives.
The US demands reportedly include no compensation for war damages suffered by Iran, which has been estimated at over $192 billion. This stipulation has been met with widespread criticism from the Iranian government, with officials arguing that it is the least the US can do in light of the devastating consequences of its military actions in the region. Furthermore, the US is pushing for the transfer of Iran’s uranium stockpile, estimated to be around 400 kg, to its own facilities. This move has been deemed unacceptable by Tehran, which views it as an attempt to dismantle its nuclear program altogether.
Another contentious point is the proposal for Iran to limit its nuclear facilities to just one site in the entire country. Critics argue that such a move would severely hamper the country’s capacity to generate electricity and engage in peaceful nuclear pursuits. The release of Iran’s frozen assets, tied to numerous international banks, has also been ruled out by Washington. In a bid to exert pressure on Tehran, the US has made it clear that a ceasefire will only be conditional on progress in the talks, with no assurances of a permanent cessation of hostilities.
On the contrary, Iranian demands call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, where Tehran backs the militant group Hezbollah. The lifting of all UN-imposed sanctions and the release of Iran’s frozen assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, would be a huge concession for the US. Moreover, the Iranian government is adamant about receiving compensation for the war damages inflicted upon it over the years and is seeking recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, which is a strategically vital waterway.
These demands highlight the vast disparities between the US and Iranian negotiating positions. While Washington remains fixated on limiting and eventually dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Tehran continues to insist on preserving its sovereignty and the integrity of its nuclear program. As tensions between the two nations escalate, diplomatic channels may be tested to their limits in the coming days and weeks, and a potential miscalculation could lead to a wider conflict.