Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals

Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals

As the clock ticked toward an internally set deadline, US President Donald Trump revealed a two-week ceasefire agreement to pause hostilities, following an extreme warning about eradicating Iran’s “civilisation.” The talks, mediated by Pakistan, are set to take place in Islamabad, with potential discussions beginning as soon as Friday. Despite this progress, fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding the foundation of the negotiations.

Conflicting Frameworks and Uncertainty

Trump shared a 10-point Iranian proposal on Truth Social, calling it “a workable basis on which to negotiate.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referenced a US 15-point plan that could end the conflict. However, neither proposal has been officially disclosed, even as leaked versions have circulated in the media, revealing stark differences in expectations. The White House has dismissed the Iranian plan as not representing the “working framework” received by US officials, further complicating the situation.

“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.”

Nuclear Accusations and Stockpile Concerns

The US has long claimed Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon was the primary justification for the war. Publicly, American officials believe the 12-day conflict last year and recent US-Israeli strikes have inflicted significant damage, hindering Iran’s ability to rebuild a threatening nuclear program. Yet, questions linger about the fate of 440kg (970lbs) of highly enriched uranium still held by Iran. This material, which Trump often describes as “dust,” is reportedly buried under the wreckage of the Nuclear Technology/Research Centre in Isfahan after last year’s devastating attacks.

“Their dust is deeply buried and watched 24/7,” stated US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. “There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. Period. Full stop.”

Missile Programs and Strategic Implications

Iran insists that any agreement must acknowledge its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The US, however, demands the dismantling of all major nuclear facilities, an end to uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, and the removal of stockpiles. The 15-point proposal also calls for halting ballistic missile development and ceasing drone transfers to regional allies.

Gen Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that 80% of Iran’s missile facilities, 80% of its air defense systems, and 90% of its weapons factories have been reduced to rubble. This aligns with Washington’s argument that Iran’s missile program, once a shield for its nuclear ambitions, is now severely weakened. Yet, Iran has historically refused to discuss limits on its missile capabilities, and whether it will now agree to such constraints remains uncertain.

Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, has been a key strategic success. However, its recent readiness to reopen the waterway signals a possible shift in pressure on the international economy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been central to the talks, emphasized this development as a critical factor in the ongoing negotiations.