The ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran are witnessing an important turning point, as a three-page proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict is being circulated. The proposal includes a clause stipulating the release of about $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds, in exchange for Tehran’s commitment to give up its stockpile of enriched uranium, according to statements by US officials and informed sources.
Although there are fundamental differences between the two parties, it is estimated that gradual progress will be achieved during this week. It is expected that reaching an agreement in this format will lead to an end to the war, with the possibility that this will raise internal criticism in Washington, especially from the hard-line movement towards Iran.
US President Donald Trump said that American and Iranian negotiators may hold a second round of talks at the end of this week, with the aim of concluding the agreement, expecting the meeting to be held in Islamabad next Sunday, with Pakistani mediation with support from Egypt and Turkey.
The Trump administration aims to prevent Iran from accessing its nuclear stockpile located in underground facilities, which is estimated at 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, including about 450 kilograms enriched to 60%. In return, Tehran is mainly seeking financial resources, which makes the core of the debate revolve around the fate of the nuclear stockpile and the amount of money that will be released, in addition to potential restrictions on how these funds can be used.
Sources reported that Washington had earlier expressed its willingness to release $6 billion for humanitarian purposes, including food and medicine, while Tehran demanded $27 billion, before the $20 billion figure was later put forward as a compromise on the negotiating table.
One American official described the “money for uranium” proposal as one of the options presented within a group of ideas under study.
Disagreements still exist over the fate of enriched uranium, as Washington insists on transferring it entirely to its territory, while Tehran agrees to reduce the enrichment rate inside Iran only. A compromise solution is proposed to transfer part of the highly enriched uranium to a third country, in exchange for reducing the enrichment rate of the other part under international supervision.
The memorandum of understanding also includes a “voluntary” moratorium on enrichment operations, with an American proposal to freeze enrichment for 20 years in exchange for an Iranian offer of five years, in addition to allowing Iran research reactors to produce medical isotopes, and a pledge that future nuclear facilities will be above ground, while keeping current underground facilities out of service.
The memorandum also addresses the Strait of Hormuz file, amid continuing disputes over it, while it has not been decided whether the negotiations include the ballistic missile program or Tehran’s support for its regional allies.
An American official confirmed that Iran “has made progress, but not enough,” noting that it is seeking funds, lifting oil sanctions, and integrating into the global financial system, while maintaining its nuclear capabilities.
For her part, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly described the talks as “fruitful,” stressing that Washington would not negotiate through the media.
In a related context, Trump had announced that Iran had agreed during the negotiations to provide a pledge not to possess a nuclear weapon, indicating that an agreement was soon to be reached, while warning of the resumption of fighting if the negotiations failed, and expressing a willingness to extend the ceasefire beyond April 21 if necessary.
