US sets new demands for Iran deal: What are they?
Key Points:
- US Vice President JD Vance called for Iran to make a "meaningful" reduction in uranium enrichment, signaling a possible softening from Washington's previous demand for complete abandonment of enrichment.
- Other US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, maintained hardline stances, emphasizing that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and warning of potential escalation.
- Iranian officials have expressed skepticism about US intentions, accusing Washington of using negotiations as a cover for aggression, though some Iranian voices still see room for fair negotiations.
- Iran's recent proposal includes a ceasefire, lifting of sanctions and naval blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequent nuclear talks, but disagreements over the sequence of actions remain unresolved.
- Experts suggest the main obstacles to a deal include sanctions, frozen assets, and regional conflicts, with Washington's focus on uranium enrichment possibly overlooking Tehran's broader priorities.