President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States is “very close” to reaching a deal with Iran to end the war, though Tehran has contradicted claims regarding the surrender of its nuclear enrichment capabilities during the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
- President Trump claims Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons and the return of its enriched uranium stockpile.
- Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains that enrichment is a sovereign right and essential to its needs.
- Pakistan is serving as the sole mediator as both parties face a ceasefire deadline of April 22.
Speaking from the White House South Lawn, Trump stated that Iran has “agreed to almost everything,” including a commitment to no nuclear weapons. He further claimed Iran agreed to return “nuclear dust” from underground sites previously targeted by B-2 bomber strikes.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, offered a different assessment. While confirming that messages are being exchanged through Pakistan, Baghaei stated that Iran “must be able to continue enrichment” based on its needs.
Conflicting Claims on US-Iran Negotiations
Analysts suggest the discrepancy between the two sides may reflect a “maximalist” reading of the process by the U.S. president. Some observers note the gap reflects the complex, multilayered nature of unfinished negotiations.
Former Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani argued that Iran’s desire for civil nuclear use within the framework of the NPT and JCPOA is well-established. He noted that Iran has repeatedly denied wanting a nuclear weapon.
The JCPOA, a 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers, previously capped enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief before the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
Pakistan’s Role as Sole Mediator
Pakistan has emerged as the central diplomatic hub for the talks. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently held high-level meetings in Tehran with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described Pakistani mediators as “incredible” and confirmed they are the only mediator in the negotiation. Future in-person talks are expected to take place in Islamabad.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged Gulf leaders in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye to support the diplomatic track.
Regional Ties and the Lebanon Factor
The negotiations are closely linked to regional stability, specifically in Lebanon. President Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, a move seen as a potential catalyst for the Iran deal.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is as important to Iran as a ceasefire within its own borders. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reinforced this, calling peace in Lebanon “essential” for the US-Iran talks.
Shifting US Objectives
Current discussions mark a significant shift from earlier U.S. demands. In March, President Trump called for “unconditional surrender,” and a Pakistani proposal sought the total end of Iran’s nuclear programme and missile capabilities.
Current talks have moved toward enrichment limits and monitoring mechanisms. The U.S. has reportedly proposed a 20-year freeze on enrichment, while Iran has countered with a five-year offer.
Despite the diplomatic movement, hardline signals persist. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue “as long as it takes,” while Iranian military advisers warned they are prepared for a “long war.”
The process now faces a critical ceasefire deadline on April 22. President Trump indicated that talks could resume over the weekend and that he might travel to Islamabad if an agreement is signed there.
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