Draft Agreement Under Discussion as US-Iran Tensions Continue

Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing ongoing tensions may resume next week in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, both countries are working through mediators on a draft agreement that could pave the way for formal negotiations lasting up to one month. The report stated that the 14-point proposal put forward by the United States includes issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, reducing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to another country. US President Donald Trump said he expects a response from Iran soon. He also indicated that if discussions move forward positively, the ceasefire could be extended. Meanwhile, according to a report by Al Jazeera, Iran has made it clear that it will not compromise on its nuclear program or its highly enriched uranium reserves. The first round of talks between Iran and the United States was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 under Pakistan’s mediation. Despite 21 hours of discussions, the negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on April 24 for the second round of discussions. However, President Trump later cancelled the Pakistan visit of his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, following which talks between the two countries could not resume.