High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran on the Iranian nuclear program have reached an agreement before failing due to persistent disagreements, particularly concerning enriched uranium, according to information from the New York Times and sources cited by Reuters. Despite significant progress, the two parties remain deeply divided on the terms of a lasting compromise.
At the core of the tensions, Washington is demanding a suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment for a duration of 20 years, as well as the transfer of its enriched uranium stocks out of the country. Tehran, on the other hand, is proposing a much shorter suspension, limited to five years, and categorically rejects any export of these sensitive materials. Iranian authorities, however, express readiness to significantly reduce the level of enrichment, an option deemed insufficient by the United States, which fears a swift resumption of the nuclear program for military purposes.
The high-level negotiations, recently held in Islamabad, concluded without a breakthrough, despite ongoing discussions. According to several sources close to the matter, negotiators were nonetheless “very close” to an agreement, with some citing progress at nearly 80%, before stumbling blocks derailed the final decisions.
Nevertheless, American Vice President JD Vance mentioned “significant progress,” while stating that the next steps now depend on Tehran. Washington is particularly awaiting further gestures from Iran, including on regional issues such as the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, now linked to the evolution of the negotiations.
[Context: Negotiations between the US and Iran regarding the Iranian nuclear program are at a critical juncture with significant disagreements on key issues. Fact Check: The content highlights the demands and positions of both the US and Iran, as well as the current status of negotiations and areas of contention.]
