Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a revised ceasefire proposal with stricter conditions back to Iran, stalling a potential deal between Washington and Tehran that had appeared close to completion in recent days.
Revised terms
According to The New York Times, which cited officials familiar with the talks, Trump hardened several terms from the previous draft before sending the new blueprint to Tehran. The newspaper could not verify the exact modifications, while Axios reported that Trump wants to strengthen Washington’s leverage on core issues, including the status of Iran’s nuclear materials.
Nuclear dispute
Trump has repeatedly said Tehran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, and he has demanded the destruction of Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. The nuclear dispute remains a key point of friction in negotiations aimed at ending the war that began on February 28 after a joint Israeli-American military strike against Iran.
Other demands
In addition to nuclear concessions, Trump is also seeking that Iran reopen and clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that Tehran has effectively blocked since the start of hostilities.
Negotiations continue
The new conditions could further delay peace talks. U.S. sources told Agence France-Presse that Trump declined to sign a tentative proposal on his desk on Friday after a meeting in the White House Situation Room.
Later that evening, a White House official said Trump would only sign an agreement with Iran if the “red lines” he has set are fully met.