News Summary
Reviewed and compiled.
- US President Donald Trump claims that the US and Iran are close to ending the conflict and reaching a nuclear agreement.
- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has described reports of progress as exaggerated and confirmed ongoing talks via Pakistan.
- A potential 14-point agreement has been drafted between the US and Iran including terms for a ceasefire and halting Iran’s nuclear program.
April 7, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has asserted that an end to the conflict between the US and Iran and a nuclear agreement are within reach. He also warned that if talks fail, renewed bombing campaign could be initiated.
Previously, Axios reported on Wednesday that Iran might agree to a ceasefire within 48 hours, though Iran has yet to give a clear response.
Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, called the reports of progress exaggerated. He said Iran has not responded to the proposal yet but negotiations are ongoing through Pakistan.
Iranian media has pointed out that there are some unacceptable conditions in the US proposal but the specifics have not been disclosed.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, described the proposals as a wishlist.
US Strategy to Pressure Iran
According to reports, a 14-point draft agreement has been prepared between the two countries. Although not finalized, talks have progressed more than before.
The US has submitted a new proposal to the United Nations Security Council to resume maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has urged member states to reject it.
Meanwhile, China and Iran held a high-level meeting in Beijing where China called for an immediate halt to hostilities and assured support for Iran. Iran stated that during Trump’s visit to China, Beijing refrained from making any decisions under US pressure that would harm Tehran.
Situation Under Control: Trump
Trump claimed that US military action has severely damaged Iran’s navy, air force, missile systems, and radar networks. He asserted that the situation remains under his control and warned that if no agreement is reached, the US may launch an even larger attack.
“We are negotiating with parties willing to make a deal. Whether they can deliver a satisfactory agreement remains to be seen,” he said.
He added, “The situation is under our control. The US Navy has performed excellently. It is like a wall of steel, especially preventing Iranian ships from passing. The blockade is incredible.”
Trump Seeks Resolution; Iran Looks for Respectable Deal
According to the New York Times, Trump continues to exert pressure on Iran to end the war but lacks a magical solution. Experts have stated there is no easy resolution to this crisis.
Experts note that Trump’s biggest mistake has been underestimating Iran’s strategy, psychology, and capacity to withstand pressure. Iran considers itself in control since closing the Strait of Hormuz has impacted oil and gas supplies.
Rising energy prices may cause Trump political damage. Although economic pressure might have long-term effects, experts say Iran is unlikely to agree to a deal without a dignified exit. Iran does not want to appear as surrendering to pressure.
Despite past harsh sanctions, Iran has not yielded power nor made significant concessions. Experts suggest Iran can withstand pressure for some time as it has reduced oil production.
Trump’s claim that Iran’s oil infrastructure will soon collapse due to halted exports is considered exaggerated. Iran can store oil in empty or older tankers.
Oil supplies could be rerouted via roads or rail through Pakistan. Previous tough sanctions brought Iran to the negotiating table, leading to the 2015 nuclear agreement, but Trump withdrew the US in 2018 and pursued a maximum pressure campaign.
Despite this, no new agreement has been reached. Iran now insists it will engage in nuclear talks only when hostilities end and guarantees of no further attacks are provided.
Potential 14-Point US-Iran Agreement
According to US media sources, a potential 14-clause agreement to halt the war between Iran and the US has been drafted but not officially released. Available information outlines the terms as follows:
1. Immediate declaration of ceasefire.
2. A 30-day timeframe for subsequent negotiations.
3. Resumption of ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz.
4. Iran to temporarily halt its nuclear program.
5. Gradual easing of US sanctions.
6. Release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
7. Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.
8. Expanded authority for United Nations inspectors.
9. Implementation of snap inspections.
10. Iran to transfer high-level uranium stockpiles abroad.
11. Restrictions and strict monitoring of underground nuclear sites.
12. Limit uranium enrichment to about 3.67 percent in the future.
13. Provisions to extend the agreement if Iran violates conditions.
14. Development of a roadmap for a larger, permanent agreement.
Reports indicate this draft was prepared by the US, with diplomat Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner playing crucial roles in advancing talks. They are engaging Iran through Pakistan and other intermediaries.
(With agency inputs)
