New Twist in Iran-US Talks: Washington Sets 5 Strict Conditions; Peace Process in Jeopardy

New Delhi | A major development has emerged amidst the ongoing tensions and peace negotiation efforts between Iran and the United States. According to Iran’s semi-official news agency, Fars, the U.S. has put forward five stringent conditions in response to Iran’s recent peace proposal. These conditions have once again intensified political and diplomatic activity between the two nations.

Although neither Washington nor Tehran has issued an official statement regarding these conditions yet, they have dealt a significant blow to hopes for reconciliation between the two countries.

These 5 US Conditions Become the Root of the Dispute
According to Iranian media, the conditions laid down by the U.S.—which effectively constitute a complete rejection of Iran’s proposal—are as follows:

1. No War Reparations:* The U.S. has categorically refused to pay any form of compensation or war reparations to Iran.

2. Condition to Hand Over Uranium:* Iran must transfer the 400 kilograms of enriched uranium currently in its possession to the United States.

3. Restrictions on Nuclear Facilities:* Iran will be permitted to keep only one nuclear plant operational within its territory.

4. Refusal to Unfreeze Assets:* Washington has rejected the demand to release Iran’s assets and funds that were frozen (seized) abroad.

5. Conditional Ceasefire:* A ceasefire on various fronts will only be implemented once formal negotiations commence between the two parties.

‘US Pursuing Political Objectives Under the Guise of Talks’
Iranian analysts argue that this proposal from the United States is not intended to resolve the dispute. Rather, under the guise of diplomacy and negotiation, Washington seeks to achieve those political and military objectives that it failed to secure directly on the battlefield.

Prior to this, Iran had also presented five conditions to the U.S., including demands to cease hostilities on all fronts—including in Lebanon—lift sanctions, unfreeze assets, pay war reparations, and recognize Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Ceasefire Reached on April 8
It is worth noting that following attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel on several Iranian cities—including Tehran—on February 28 of this year, a fierce conflict raged between the two nations for 40 days. Subsequently, on April 8, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two sides.

Following this, the first round of talks between the two countries took place in Islamabad (Pakistan) on April 11 and 12, which ended inconclusively. Over the past few weeks, both nations have been continuously exchanging draft proposals through Pakistan; however, in light of the U.S. conditions, the path forward has now become even more arduous.