President Trump is reported to be unhappy with the latest Iranian proposal to return to the negotiating table, according to a United States official cited by Reuters on Tuesday (28 April). This proposal would set aside discussion of Iran’s nuclear programme until the war is ended, and shipping disputes are resolved in the Gulf.
Hopes of reviving peace efforts have receded since the US president scrapped a visit planned for last weekend by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to mediator Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi went in and out of Islamabad twice during the weekend, also visiting Russia on Monday (27 April).
Senior Iranian officials told Reuters they currently envision the talks in stages, with the nuclear issue to be set aside at the start. A first step would require the US and Israel to stop the war, and provide guarantees that the US cannot start it again. Then, the negotiators would resolve the US Navy blockade of Iran’s trade and the fate of the Strait of Hormuz.
Only then would talks look at other issues, including the longstanding dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, with Iran still seeking some kind of US acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium.
The White House has not confirmed the contents of the Iranian proposal, also reported by the Associated Press. Spokeswoman Olivia Wales said the US “will not negotiate through the press” and would “only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon”.
Source: commonspace.eu with Reuters and Al Jazeera
