Second Round of Peace Talks in Pakistan
The second round of meetings regarding a potential peace deal between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place in Pakistan. If the proceedings follow the prepared framework, both nations may reach a consensus on a formal agreement during this session. A comprehensive proposal has been drafted for this purpose. According to the details of this proposal, Iran appears to hold a stronger position compared to the United States in this round of negotiations. However, US President Donald Trump has stated in a recent communication that he intends to secure a deal superior to the one established during the Obama administration in 2015.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Ceasefire
According to the American outlet Axios, the proposal developed with Pakistan's assistance suggests a 20-year ceasefire between Iran and the United States. This implies that no military conflict would occur between the two nations for the next two decades. During this period, Iran would be prohibited from attempting to develop nuclear weapons. While the proposal suggests 20 years, Iran is reportedly attempting to negotiate this duration down to 10 years. For context, the 2015 agreement under the Obama administration had a 15-year deadline.
Unresolved Issues and Uranium Disposal
Despite the progress, clarity is still lacking on two specific points. The first involves the potential establishment of a permanent toll booth in the Strait of Hormuz. The second point of contention is the location for the disposal or destruction of uranium—whether it will take place in the United States or within Iran. Iran maintains that the uranium should be diluted on its own territory.
Strategic Perspectives and the Libya Precedent
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading the peace deal negotiations for Iran, has stated that while the US is attempting to portray the agreement as its own victory, Iran won't be misled or pressured. He emphasized that the agreement will only proceed if it serves Iran's national interests. A report by the New York Times suggests that President Donald Trump is seeking a quick diplomatic win, whereas Iran is focused on establishing a long-term winning formula, while iranian leadership is reportedly drawing lessons from the example of Libya, where leader Muammar Gaddafi entered a uranium agreement with the US in 2003, only to face a situation in 2011 that led to his death following what Iran perceives as a betrayal by the US.