Negotiators face huge task to close gaps in rival Iran peace proposals

As the clock ticked down toward a self-imposed deadline, and with an extraordinary warning threatening to erase Iran’s ‘civilisation,’ US President Donald Trump declared a two-week ceasefire agreement to pause hostilities. The talks, led by Pakistan, are set to bring American and Iranian representatives together in Islamabad, potentially beginning as early as Friday. Despite this, significant discrepancies remain between the parties, particularly in defining the foundation of their discussions.

“In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US had received a 10-point proposal from Iran which he described as ‘a workable basis on which to negotiate.'”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also highlighted the US’s 15-point plan, which his team claims could conclude the conflict. However, neither proposal has been officially disclosed, even though leaked versions circulating in the media show stark contrasts in their expectations. The White House has dismissed the Iranian plan as not the ‘working framework’ shared with US officials, intensifying the confusion.

“‘A lot of details are not very clear,’ Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told the BBC. ‘There are different statements coming out of Iran, from Washington and from the Pakistani mediator,’ he said. ‘So, we need to reconcile the details of these statements and understand exactly what the way forward is.’”

The core dispute centers on Iran’s right to maintain its nuclear program. While the US cites the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon as its primary rationale for the war, Tehran insists this must be acknowledged in any agreement. The Pentagon argues that last year’s attacks have severely crippled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including its enrichment capabilities.

Iran maintains that a viable deal must include its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Oman, which acted as a mediator before the conflict, suggested a potential resolution is already on the table. Yet, the US remains unclear on whether it will permit Iran to continue enrichment, with Trump’s 15-point plan demanding the dismantling of all major nuclear facilities and the removal of enriched stockpiles.

“‘Their dust is deeply buried and watched 24/7,’ US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on Wednesday. ‘There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. Period. Full stop.’”

Iran’s military efforts, particularly its missile program, have been another focal point. Washington claims the missile network provided a shield for its nuclear ambitions, but the destruction of 80% of its facilities and 90% of its weapons factories suggests this protection is now diminished. The US also seeks to restrict Iran’s drone and missile exports, a move Tehran has historically resisted.

“‘80% of Iran’s missile facilities have been destroyed, along with 80% of its air defence systems and 90% of its weapons factories,’ Gen Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz has become a strategic concern. The regime’s ability to disrupt global shipping has caused economic strain, but its willingness to reopen the waterway hints at possible relief. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the pressures on international trade begin to ease, leaving the future of Iran’s nuclear and military programs in question.