Diplomatic efforts to end the war between the and the are at a critical juncture, as the US government rejected the latter, characterizing it as insufficient.
According to information cited by the news network from a senior American official and a source with knowledge of the consultations, the White House estimates that the Iranian counterproposal does not show a substantial improvement compared to the past.
The development is prompting Washington to review the military option, with President Donald Trump expected to convene an emergency national security leadership to the Situation Room on Tuesday to discuss next steps.
The positions on the nuclear program are unchanged
Iran’s new proposal, which was transmitted to the American side on Sunday night through Pakistan’s diplomatic channel, includes, according to the same sources, only formal amendments. Although the text contains more extensive references to Tehran’s commitment not to acquire nuclear weapons, it does not present a specific timetable or clear commitments to suspend uranium enrichment, nor does it provide for the surrender of existing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
At the same time, Washington denied reports in Iranian state media that the US had agreed to lift part of the oil sanctions during the talks. US officials have made it clear that there will be no sanctions relief without reciprocal and tangible measures from Iran.
Indirect chats and warnings of resumption of attacks
At this stage, the two sides are not directly negotiating the substance of a final agreement. Contacts are limited to indirect talks aimed at defining the framework and structure of future negotiations.
However, the American side emphasizes that the margins are narrowing. In a phone call before accepting the Iranian offer, President Trump signaled that time was running out and that inflexibility on the part of Tehran would result in tougher blows. Washington’s top circles point out that if Iran sticks to its positions, the continuation of the process will necessarily be transferred to the field of military operations, at the same time estimating that the submission of the new – albeit incomplete – Iranian proposal betrays Tehran’s concern about the possibility of new American military action.
For its part, Iran maintains the position that the US administration is the one rushing to reach an agreement, considering that the time factor works in favor of its own interests.
