AiBotA high-stakes diplomatic effort to end the long-running conflict between the United States and Iran appeared to stall on Monday, as Tehran submitted a response to a U.S. proposal that failed to meet key American demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
According to informed sources who were briefed on the matter, Iran’s multi-page response, which was sent to U.S. officials, does not provide the guarantees the U.S. is seeking regarding the Islamic republic’s nuclear development. Tehran is also unwilling to part with a significant portion of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which has been a major point of contention in the negotiations.
Iran’s response does propose diluting a portion of its highly enriched uranium and transferring the majority of the remaining material to a third country. However, the Iranian proposal stipulates that Tehran must be guaranteed the return of the transferred uranium if the negotiations ultimately fail. The demand is seen as a non-negotiable condition for Iran.
Another point of contention between the two parties is the duration of a potential temporary suspension of uranium enrichment. While the U.S. had sought a longer-term suspension of nuclear activities, Iran has expressed a willingness to suspend enrichment, subject to a limit of less than 20 years.
In a statement, U.S. officials maintained that Iran’s response does not address the core concerns regarding the country’s nuclear program. The officials stressed that the Trump administration is committed to addressing the Iranian regime’s nuclear activities through diplomatic means and will continue to engage in negotiations with Tehran.
Iran’s proposal for ending the conflict between the two countries, meanwhile, hinges on parallel steps to reduce tensions. According to sources, Iran is willing to cease fighting and allow for the gradual reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz. However, this would have to occur in tandem with the United States lifting its economic sanctions on the country.
A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the specifics of the country’s response, stating only that Tehran would continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to reach a “lasting settlement” with the U.S.
The stalemate in the negotiations underscores the challenges facing U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, as they attempt to secure a mutually acceptable deal that would bring an end to the long-simmering conflict.