Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals
Negotiators Struggle to Bridge Divergent Plans in Iran Peace Talks
As the clock ticked down toward a self-imposed deadline, and amid a historic threat to erase Iran’s “civilisation,” U.S. President Donald Trump declared a two-week truce to pause hostilities. The discussions, facilitated by Pakistan, are set to convene American and Iranian representatives in Islamabad, with potential talks beginning as early as Friday. Despite this progress, significant disparities persist between the two nations’ approaches, complicating the path to resolution.
Conflicting Proposals and Unclear Frameworks
Neither Iran nor the United States has officially disclosed their respective plans, though leaked versions have surfaced. The Iranian delegation reportedly submitted a 10-point proposal, which Trump characterized as “a workable basis on which to negotiate.” Meanwhile, the U.S. is said to have outlined a 15-point framework, potentially ending the conflict. However, the White House has dismissed the media’s portrayal of Iran’s plan as the “working framework” received by its officials, adding layers of ambiguity to the process.
“A lot of details are not very clear,” said Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser to the UAE president. “There are different statements coming out of Iran, from Washington and from the Pakistani mediator. So, we need to reconcile the details of these statements and understand exactly what the way forward is.”
Key Disputes Over Nuclear and Missile Programs
The core of the debate centers on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its missile capabilities. Washington has long framed the war as a response to Iran’s alleged race to build a nuclear weapon, a claim Tehran has consistently denied. While U.S. officials suggest the 12-day conflict and recent Israeli strikes have sufficiently weakened Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the fate of 440kg of highly enriched uranium remains unresolved.
According to U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the uranium—referred to by Trump as “dust”—is believed to be entombed beneath the ruins of Iran’s Nuclear Technology/Research Centre in Isfahan. “Their dust is deeply buried and watched 24/7,” Hegseth stated. “There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. Period. Full stop.”
Missile Facilities and the Path to Reconciliation
The U.S. military estimates that 80% of Iran’s missile facilities, along with 80% of its air defense systems and 90% of its weapons factories, have been obliterated. This destruction, which was a key factor in Washington’s decision to escalate the conflict, has shifted the dynamics of negotiations. Iran’s 15-point proposal demands the suspension of ballistic missile development and a halt to drone transfers and military exports to regional allies. Yet, the regime has previously refused to discuss limitations on its missile program.
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Implications
A pivotal development in the ongoing crisis is Iran’s apparent readiness to ease its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage. This move could alleviate pressures on global trade, which has been disrupted by Iran’s recent actions. However, the nation’s ability to maintain control over the strait remains a key point of contention, with the potential for renewed tensions depending on the terms of the final agreement.