Iran proposes 5-year nuclear pause as US demands 20-year freeze
Tehran resists Washington’s sweeping conditions in Islamabad talks, exposing deep divisions amid ongoing US-Israeli pressure campaign
ISLAMABAD (MNTV) — Iran has proposed a limited five-year suspension of uranium enrichment during recent negotiations with the United States, sharply rejecting Washington’s demand for a sweeping 20-year halt, in talks that underscored widening divisions fueled by US and Israeli pressure in the region.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the proposal was presented by Tehran following weekend negotiations in Islamabad, where both sides attempted to outline terms for a broader agreement.
The United States, however, dismissed the offer, insisting on far more extensive restrictions that critics say amount to an attempt to permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Washington has also demanded that Iran transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium out of the country — a condition Tehran has firmly opposed.
Instead, Iranian officials suggested diluting the material to levels unsuitable for weapons use while retaining it within national borders, arguing that such a compromise would respect both non-proliferation concerns and Iran’s sovereign rights.
US officials, however, continued to frame the issue around long-term “capability risks,” maintaining that Iran could potentially re-enrich the material in the future — a position widely seen as reflecting entrenched mistrust and maximalist negotiating tactics rather than a genuine push for compromise.
Despite some indications of progress, the negotiations revealed a fundamental imbalance, with Washington pressing for far-reaching concessions while offering little in return. Observers note that such demands are closely aligned with Israeli strategic objectives, which have long sought to curtail Iran’s nuclear program entirely rather than regulate it under international frameworks.
US Vice President JD Vance described the talks as constructive but placed the burden squarely on Tehran, claiming that the “ball is in Iran’s court” — a characterization that Iranian officials and analysts have rejected as misleading, given the scale of US demands.
Tehran, for its part, has signaled limited flexibility but has refused to accept conditions it views as undermining its sovereignty or effectively forcing unilateral disarmament under pressure.
Discussions are ongoing regarding a potential second round of face-to-face negotiations, though no timeline has been confirmed. Diplomatic sources suggest that both sides remain engaged, but the gap between their positions remains substantial.
The status of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global energy corridor — is expected to play a central role in any future agreement, particularly as US military actions and Israeli-backed escalation continue to heighten tensions in the region.
While Washington has floated the possibility of a broader “grand deal,” its insistence on stringent conditions has raised doubts about its willingness to pursue a balanced and sustainable resolution.
The latest developments highlight the fragile state of diplomacy, as efforts toward de-escalation remain overshadowed by aggressive US policies and Israeli influence, both of which continue to complicate any meaningful path toward peace.
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