Iran Proposes Suspending Nuclear Program for 5 Years; US Insists on 20-Year Sanctions
April 14, Kathmandu — Tensions have escalated following inconclusive ceasefire talks between the US and Iran held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Despite Iran’s offer to suspend its nuclear program for five years, the US’s firm stance on imposing 20-year sanctions led to the talks ending without agreement. According to a New York Times report, during the Islamabad talks, Iran proposed halting its nuclear activities for five years. However, the US demanded that Iran cease all nuclear activities for 20 years and return its stockpile of enriched uranium.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that “the ball is now in Tehran’s court,” emphasizing that Iran must provide a firm guarantee that it will not develop nuclear weapons. He also noted that the Iranian delegation lacked the authority to make final decisions, which prevented an agreement. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed optimism that the talks are progressing positively and hoped another phase of negotiations would soon take place. Former US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is eager to reach an agreement following sanctions and warned that failure to do so within the ceasefire timeline would lead to severe consequences for Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pejescian, during a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, urged Europe to play a positive role in ensuring US compliance with international law. Meanwhile, following directives from US President Donald Trump, the US Navy has enforced a maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade was implemented from Monday evening. The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, 11 destroyers, and at least 15 warships in the Middle East. Trump warned that any Iranian vessel approaching the blockade would be immediately and decisively destroyed as if it were a drug-trafficking ship.
As the blockade commenced, two oil tankers named “Rich Starry” and “Austria” diverted their routes away from the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, warning that the US’s provocative actions in Hormuz pose a threat to global peace. Iran also warned that any attack on its ports would jeopardize the security of ports throughout the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Global crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel. However, with renewed hope for resumed talks, US stock markets (S&P 500 and Nasdaq) experienced modest gains. Trump cautioned China against providing military assistance to Iran, threatening serious repercussions. Nonetheless, Trump expressed confidence that Chinese President Xi Jinping supports ending the conflict. Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing on May 14 and 15.