What Are Iran and the U.S. Still Fighting Over?
Despite deep mutual distrust between Iran and the U.S., despite a brief flare-up of hostilities this week, and despite Trump stating on Wednesday that he was "not satisfied" with Iran's proposal, it appears both sides are still attempting to reach an agreement to end the war initiated by the U.S. and Israel at the end of February.
On Monday, the U.S. announced airstrikes targeting missile bases in southern Iran and suspected minelaying vessels. In response, Iran condemned Washington for violating the ceasefire agreement—but the situation seems under control, and Iran does not appear eager to escalate further. On Wednesday, Iran’s national television reported that negotiations were underway for a framework agreement, though this is not yet final.
Washington first dismissed the idea of a framework agreement as pure fabrication, but then Trump personally stepped in to say he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s proposal—effectively confirming its existence.
Now Wind, Now Rain
On Wednesday, Iran stated that given ongoing talks toward a ceasefire, the likelihood of restarting war with the U.S. is low. Trump, however, demanded greater concessions from Iran. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, he said, “Iran really wants to make a deal—they truly want to do it. So far, they haven’t done it… We’re not satisfied with what we have now, but we will be satisfied in the end. Either we get a deal, or we must finish the job.” Analysts suggest that Trump’s phrase “finish the job” may imply that if diplomatic efforts fail, the U.S. could resume military pressure.
Meanwhile, after nearly three months of internet blackouts, Iran has seen partial restoration of its internet services—a sign of de-escalation. However, given that restrictions remain in place, Iranians have not shown much optimism about the change.
Will Iran’s Frozen Assets Be Unfrozen?
Iran claims that a 14-point framework agreement is being finalized, with the primary objective being the cessation of conflict “on all fronts,” including ending the war in Lebanon.
Iranian officials have only revealed broad outlines, while Iranian media have gradually released some details. On Monday, senior Iranian negotiators traveled to Qatar for talks, which official media described as part of the diplomatic process.
The Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran is seeking to unfreeze approximately $24 billion in overseas frozen Iranian assets, with about $12 billion “to be unfrozen upon announcement of the memorandum.”
There is currently no official data on the total amount of Iranian assets frozen abroad. Latest estimates from Iranian media place the figure between $100 billion and $123 billion.
Can the Strait of Hormuz Resume Shipping Within a Month?
After the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, Iran took control of one of the world’s key energy chokepoints—the Strait of Hormuz. Starting April 13, in retaliation, the U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Bagha, confirmed that the negotiated package includes provisions regarding the lifting of the U.S. port blockade and opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Wednesday, Iran’s national television cited the draft agreement, reporting that Washington had “committed to lifting its maritime blockade on Iran”—a claim later denied by the White House.
The draft stipulates that, in exchange for Washington lifting its maritime blockade, Iran would allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume within one month. However, Iran would continue managing the waterway, inspecting vessels, and charging service fees—measures implemented during the war, making it difficult to imagine the U.S. accepting Iran’s continued toll collection in the strait.
The draft also clarifies that Iran’s commitment does not apply to military vessels, and Tehran has not agreed to “unconditional reopening” of the strait.
The Iranian Nuclear Program
The core point of contention between Iran and the U.S. is Iran’s nuclear program. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmael Bagha, specific details related to Iran’s nuclear program will be deferred until after the framework agreement is reached and discussed in subsequent stages.
Iranian media report that discussions on nuclear-related issues—particularly uranium enrichment levels and the disposition of Iran’s high-enriched uranium stockpile—will take place within 60 days after the memorandum is signed.
According to Tasnim News Agency, U.S. sanctions restricting Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports should also be lifted within those 60 days.
Recently, rumors emerged that Iran might transfer its enriched uranium to China. On May 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when questioned about this, stated: “Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, China has maintained close communication with relevant parties, including Iran, and has been actively working to stop the war and promote peace.” What exactly China means remains open to interpretation.
On Monday, U.S. President Trump posted on social media, stating he expected Iran to hand over its enriched uranium to the U.S. for destruction—or destroy it domestically under international supervision. On Wednesday, Trump added in a cabinet meeting: “The U.S. will not condition the lifting of sanctions on Iran giving up its high-enriched uranium.”
Iran Demands Guarantees
A central demand from Tehran is assurance that Washington will abide by any agreement. Iran previously reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with five other countries—including the U.S.—in 2015, but Trump tore up the deal after his first term as president.
According to the draft agreement published by Iranian television, the final agreement “should be confirmed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.”
Additionally, Tasnim News Agency claimed that the mechanism for announcing any initial memorandum of understanding “must be jointly established by both sides,” and the U.S. cannot unilaterally declare it.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866413362790404/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s).