Washington: In an effort to avoid further conflict, the US and Iran exchanged several proposals and counterproposals last week, the Washington Post reported Monday, citing officials.
According to Anadolu Agency, the report indicated that US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's initial proposal concerning restrictions on nuclear enrichment, seeking a deal with more comprehensive limitations. In prior negotiation rounds, the US had suggested prohibiting Iran from enriching uranium for 25 years, a proposal Iran rejected. A subsequent US offer proposed a 20-year ban on enrichment, which Iran also declined.
The report further detailed that during more recent discussions, the US signaled a willingness to consider easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports if Tehran agreed to stop supporting proxy groups in the region. Additionally, the report mentioned that recent proposals suggest Iran might be open to transferring part of its enriched uranium stockpile abroad. However, these matters remain unresolved and contingent on broader agreement aspects.
Trump stated on Monday that he decided to delay the resumption of attacks on Iran after several regional nations indicated a belief that a comprehensive peace deal is near completion. He was reportedly urged by leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and unspecified others to delay strikes, as they felt close to finalizing a deal.
Axios reported that Trump engaged in phone conversations with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates within 24 hours before his announcement. The Arab leaders expressed their desire to avoid damage to their oil and energy facilities from potential Iranian retaliation.
The backdrop of these negotiations includes escalating regional tensions since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory actions by Tehran and caused disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad did not secure a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by Trump without a set deadline.
Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.