Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals
As the clock ticks toward a self-imposed deadline – and an unprecedented threat to wipe out Iran’s “civilisation” – US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire to halt the conflict. The mediators, Pakistan, are set to host American and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, with discussions possibly beginning as early as Friday. Despite the progress, numerous issues remain unresolved, beginning with the foundation of the negotiations.
Both parties have presented proposals, though neither has been formally revealed. Reports indicate the US received a 10-point plan from Iran, which Trump described as “a workable basis on which to negotiate” in a post on Truth Social. Simultaneously, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted the US 15-point proposal, which Trump’s chief negotiators claim could end the war. However, the leaked versions of these proposals seem to be vastly different from what each side envisions.
Confusion is further compounded by the White House’s insistence that the Iranian plan currently in the media is not the “working framework” shared with US officials. “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,” he added. “So, we need to reconcile the details of these statements and understand exactly what the way forward is.”
The nuclear dispute remains a central sticking point. The accusation that Iran aimed to build a nuclear weapon has long been Washington’s primary justification for the war, despite Tehran’s repeated denials. American officials claim sufficient damage has been done since the 12-day conflict last year and the recent US-Israeli strikes, which they believe would delay Iran’s ability to reconstitute a dangerous nuclear program.
Yet questions linger about the 440kg (970lbs) of highly enriched uranium still held by Iran. Trump often refers to this material as “dust,” suggesting it is buried under the rubble of the Nuclear Technology/Research Centre in Isfahan, following last year’s devastating attacks. “Their dust is deeply buried and watched 24/7,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated to reporters. “There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. Period. Full stop.”
Iran insists any resolution must recognize its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, as outlined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Oman, which previously mediated between the two sides, hinted at a viable deal being on the table. However, the US’s 15-point plan reportedly demands Iran dismantle major nuclear facilities, halt enrichment on its soil, and transfer stockpiles abroad, alongside accepting rigorous international inspections.
While Trump’s team emphasized these points, Hegseth’s response was slightly more cautious. “Iran would never have a nuclear weapon or the capability to get a path to one,” he said. The plan also calls for Iran to suspend ballistic missile development, cease long-range missile production, and stop drone transfers to Middle Eastern allies. Washington’s rationale for the war was that Iran’s missile program shielded its nuclear ambitions, but the Pentagon claims much of that shield has been shattered. Gen Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that 80% of Iran’s missile facilities, 80% of its air defence systems, and 90% of its weapons factories have been destroyed.
