Key Issues in US-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations
Pakistani mediators involved in the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran believe that a permanent ceasefire remains achievable despite significant disagreements on critical issues. Central to the impasse are the future control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Washington's insistence that Tehran export its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Amid these tensions, both the US and Iran harbor concerns about potential surprise attacks on their territories. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump maintains that a renewed military strike against Iran remains an available option.
Diplomatic Efforts and Mediation Attempts
Mohsen Naqvi, the Pakistani Interior Minister, has met twice within two days with Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, in an effort to advance the talks. A delayed visit to Tehran by Field Marshal Asim Munir, commander of the Pakistani Army, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to slow progress. Pakistan may consider involving China as an additional mediator, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scheduled to visit Beijing on Saturday.
Iran's Position on Nuclear Talks and Hostilities
Iran has emphasized its preference to postpone discussions on its nuclear program, prioritizing instead a permanent cessation of hostilities. Tehran seeks a phased lifting of US sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, compensation for damages caused by US and Israeli actions, and assurances against future use of force.
The management of the Strait of Hormuz remains a significant point of contention. Pakistan has proposed joint control of the strait under United Nations auspices. Meanwhile, Iran has suggested that its newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) assume responsibility for the channel. Under this proposal, fees would be charged for passage, and vessels would be required to follow designated transit routes.
The Iranian ambassador to France confirmed that Iran is seeking cooperation from Oman regarding the PGSA plan.
Regional Responses to Iran's Proposal
Five Gulf states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—have collectively written to the International Maritime Authority, a global shipping regulatory body, urging merchant and commercial vessels to avoid engagement with the PGSA.
Oman, which would hold authority over the southern side of the strait under Iran's proposal, is notably absent from the letter and remains cautious about Tehran's plan.
“Iran’s purported route should be seen for what it is, an attempt to control traffic through the strait by forcing vessels to use a route within its territorial waters, which can be exploited for monetary gain through the imposition of toll fees. Any understanding or recognition of Iran’s proposed route and PGSA as an alternative would set a dangerous precedent.”
This warning was issued by the five Gulf states in their letter.
International Reactions and US Position
At a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Iran's proposal, stating:
“Iran is trying to create a tolling system. They’re trying to convince Oman… to join them in a tolling system in an international waterway. There is not a country in the world that should accept that.”
Rubio also expressed disappointment over Europe's reluctance to take stronger measures to ensure the strait remains open.
Analysts suggest that statements from US administration officials regarding the status of negotiations may be influenced by Washington's interest in managing global oil prices.
Iranian Official Statements on Negotiations
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed media speculation, emphasizing the current focus of negotiations:
“At this stage, the focus of the negotiations is on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the claims made in the media about nuclear issues, including the issue of enriched material or the enrichment debate, are merely media speculation and lack credibility.”
Baghaei's remarks responded to speculation following President Trump's comments on Thursday regarding Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump stated:
“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We will probably even destroy it after we get it, but we will not let them get it.”
Russia has offered to receive Iran’s uranium stockpile, but Iran insists it will downblend the material domestically.
