US touts ‘significant progress,’ but uncertainty remains over Iran deal

US and Iranian officials have reported progress in peace talks, though details remain unclear. President Donald Trump stated an agreement is 'largely negotiated,' including a two-phase deal and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Iranian state media quickly disputed, insisting control over the waterway would remain. A source said the deal would require Iran to halt nuclear weapon development, pause uranium enrichment, and negotiate surrendering its stockpile of 408 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium—close to weapons grade—while Iran’s president reiterated his country’s denial of nuclear ambitions. US negotiators have pushed for a 20-year enrichment pause and uranium stockpile surrender, proposals Iran rejected, instead offering a five-year suspension. Tehran has resisted sending enriched uranium abroad and insists nuclear negotiations would only resume post-conflict. Military strikes by the US and Israel in February disrupted earlier talks, and Iran’s state media has denied commitments to surrender stockpiles or delay nuclear discussions. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both the US and Iran. Army Chief Asim Munir, whom Trump called his 'favorite field marshal,' met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and negotiator Mohammad Ghalibaf to discuss de-escalation. Pakistan’s role is strengthened by its large Shia Muslim population and neutral stance, as it hosts no US military bases. Qatar, a US ally, has also engaged in mediation efforts, though specifics of those talks were not detailed. The conflict’s resolution hinges on resolving disputes over uranium stockpiles, enrichment timelines, and regional security guarantees, with both sides maintaining divergent positions on key demands.