Kamal Ghorui
United States has put forward a 15-point plan to end the ongoing war with Iran, even as Iran has denied that formal talks are taking place.The war, which began on February 28 wth the US and Israel atacking Iran and killing its suprme leader Ali Khamenei, has led to heavy casualties and disrupted global markets.
As pressure grows on all sides to find a way out, the reported plan outlines what Washington is willing to offer and what it expects in return, reported Al Jazeera.However, there is still no official confirmation from the US, Iran or Israel on the details.
What’s in the US’s 15-point plan?
The US proposal reportedly includes a temporary pause in fighting while both sides negotiate a longer-term settlement. Key points include:
- A 30-day ceasefire
- Dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow
- A permanent commitment from Iran to not develop nuclear weapons
- Handover of enriched uranium stockpile to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- Full IAEA monitoring of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and no domestic uranium enrichment
- Limits on the range and number of Iran’s missiles
- Ending Iran’s support for regional proxies
- Ending Iranian strikes on regional energy infrastructure
- Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
- Removal of US sanctions on Iran and end of the UN snapback mechanism
- US support for electricity generation at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant
Even as this plan is being discussed, the US is also preparing for possible escalation, with reports of troop deployment to the region.
What Iran wants
Iran on Wednesday called US proposals excessive, and said it will not allow Trump to dictate the timinig if the end of the war, Press TV said, citing an official, according to Reuters.Iran has maintained that no negotiations are taking place and has taken a firm position against US demands. Its military leadership has ruled out talks, especially after repeated attacks during earlier negotiation phases.“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself?” Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari had said on Tuesday. “People like us can never get along with people like you; no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever.”While Iran’s IRGC has made it clear that it does not want to negotiate with the US, the country has still laid down certain conditions for peace.President Masoud Pezeshkian had said, “The only way to end this war was recognising Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression.”Iran is reportedly also seeking the lifting of sanctions, closure of US military bases in the region and a new mechanism to control transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
