The United States has proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment program as part of efforts to resolve ongoing tensions, following unsuccessful negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The talks, held recently in Islamabad, aimed to address key issues including Iran’s nuclear activities and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump initiated the conflict on February 28, citing concerns over Iran’s alleged development of a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies. Trump has consistently vowed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring atomic arms.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation, returned from the weekend talks without an agreement. He emphasized that Washington’s position remains firm, particularly on ensuring mechanisms to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, beyond mere verbal commitments.
Reports indicate that the US offered sanctions relief in exchange for Iran agreeing to halt uranium enrichment for two decades. In contrast, Iran proposed a significantly shorter suspension period of five years. These proposals represent a compromise compared to Trump’s earlier demands for Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), criticizing it as one-sided despite its provisions to curb Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanction relief.
Vance stated that the US has clearly outlined its non-negotiable terms and that the next move rests with Iran. He highlighted two critical points where the administration refuses to compromise: Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and the establishment of enforceable measures to guarantee this.
Iran has consistently rejected any limitations on its uranium enrichment, asserting that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that Vance informed him the removal of all Iranian uranium enriched to 60 percent is a key demand for the Trump administration. The US delegation also insists on preventing any future enrichment activities within Iran, extending even decades ahead.
In a related development, Russia offered to securely store Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the offer remains open but has yet to be accepted by the involved parties.
