Despite President Donald Trump’s optimistic view on the potential for a lasting peace deal with Iran, significant differences persist regarding the terms of an agreement. Trump has acknowledged Iran’s 10-point plan as a possible foundation for negotiations, but uncertainties linger over its specifics and alignment with U.S. boundaries.
According to Iranian state media, their proposal includes provisions for maintaining uranium enrichment capabilities, safeguarding allied groups like Hezbollah and Hamas in the Middle East, and ensuring the withdrawal of U.S. troops from regional bases. However, Vice-President JD Vance refutes that this plan aligns with the one Trump deemed feasible.
Contrastingly, the U.S.’s 15-point framework, presented via intermediaries last month, insists on Iran ceasing uranium enrichment activities and discontinuing support for proxy militants without addressing any troop pullout. Discrepancies also arise on whether the ceasefire encompasses Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Iran’s authority to levy fees for ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense Priorities’ Jennifer Kavanagh expresses skepticism about achieving a lasting peace deal, citing the stark divergence between the two plans as a major obstacle to reconciliation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterizes Iran’s latest proposal, pivotal to the ceasefire, as more reasonable and distinct from its initial 10-point plan.
The contentious issue of Iran’s nuclear program, central to Trump’s rationale for initiating conflict, poses a challenge to finding common ground. Tehran asserts its right to enrich uranium, a stance contradicted by Trump’s assertion against uranium enrichment. Questions persist over the fate of enriched uranium buried beneath previously bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump’s ultimatum for its complete and safe reopening underpins the ceasefire conditions. Iran’s demand for coordination with its armed forces and potential ship fees during the ceasefire complicates negotiations, hinting at a protracted resolution process.
Israel’s intensified attacks on Hezbollah amid the ceasefire underscore the complexity of reaching an accord, with divergent demands between the U.S. and Iran concerning the treatment of allied militant groups. Disagreements persist on whether the ceasefire encompasses the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, exacerbating tensions and challenging the prospects of a comprehensive agreement.