Axios: Trump Discloses Peace Negotiation "Bottom Line," Demands Six Guarantees from Iran

As the US-Iran conflict enters its fourth week, international oil prices have surged by 50%. Domestic criticism in the United States is growing, with concerns that the Trump administration failed to anticipate the economic impact after the war and that the war's objectives are unclear. On the 21st, the US news website Axios cited information from two informed sources, stating that the Trump administration has begun developing a strategy for peace talks with Iran, hoping Iran will make six core commitments. However, some of these demands have been repeatedly rejected by Iran, and the US currently still cannot determine who the true decision-makers in Iran are.

The US news website Axios reported that Trump stated on the 20th that he was considering gradually ending the war, but immediately on the 21st, he demanded Iran open the Strait of Hormuz, otherwise it would bomb Iranian power plants. US officials estimate that the conflict will continue for another 2 to 3 weeks. At the same time, Trump's advisory team hopes to initiate diplomatic mediation. It is reported that Trump's son-in-law Kushner (Jared Kushner) and Middle East envoy Witkoff (Steve Witkoff) have again participated in related discussions.

The report revealed that the basic principles of the negotiations include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, resolving the issue of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, and reaching a long-term agreement on Iran's nuclear program, the number of ballistic missiles, and its support for proxies in the Middle East. According to an American official quoted by Axios who believes Iran has a willingness to negotiate, the US hopes Iran will make the following six guarantees:

Iran will not advance its missile program for the next five years.

Completely stop producing enriched uranium.

Permanently dismantle nuclear facilities such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow (these facilities were previously bombed by the US and Israel).

Strictly implement external supervision agreements, conducting comprehensive oversight over the production and use of centrifuges for enriched uranium and nuclear-related machinery.

Sign arms control treaties with Middle Eastern countries, clearly limiting Iran's missile count to no more than 1,000.

Stop funding proxy organizations, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Gaza's Hamas.

The reality is that Iran has repeatedly rejected some of these demands. Tehran has clearly stated that it is extremely difficult to return to the negotiating table with Trump, who suddenly launched airstrikes during the negotiations.

According to a US official and two informed sources, there has been no direct contact between the US and Iran recently. Egypt and Qatar relayed to the US and Israel that Iran has an interest in negotiation, but its stance is very firm, demanding that the US and Israel first cease fire, guarantee no further military action, and provide war compensation.

The report pointed out that although Trump stated on the 20th that he was not opposed to negotiations, he had no interest in Iran's conditions. A US official bluntly said that Trump considered Iran's demand for compensation as "completely impossible."

However, another official suggested that perhaps Iran could regain its frozen assets: "They can publicly say it's 'compensation,' while we can say it's 'returning frozen funds.' By using wordplay, we can provide a political stepping stone to resolve their internal consensus issues."

Currently, the Trump team faces two other major challenges: "one is unable to determine the contact person, and the other is yet to select the best mediator." US officials believe that Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi (Abbas Araghchi) has always been a negotiator, but the Trump team considers him merely a "messenger." They are still trying to confirm who the real decision-makers behind Iran are and how to establish contact.

The report finally mentioned that in terms of mediators, Oman, which was the mediator in the previous Iran nuclear deal, lacks US trust. The US currently prefers Qatar, believing it has shown efficiency and reliability in mediating the Gaza issue. However, sources indicate that while Qatar is willing to provide behind-the-scenes assistance, it does not want to become the main official mediator.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1860371142831112/

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