Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 1: Negotiations between the United States and Iran over a proposed post-war agreement appear set for another round of revisions, with both sides reportedly seeking changes to the current draft, raising fresh uncertainty over the timeline for a final deal.
According to reports from US media, President Donald Trump is considering modifications to key provisions of the proposed agreement, even as Tehran prepares to submit its own set of amendments. The development has added another layer of complexity to talks that have already faced repeated delays and political hurdles.
Sources familiar with the discussions told The New York Times that the White House is awaiting Iran's latest response while simultaneously reviewing possible revisions to the memorandum of understanding that forms the basis of the negotiations. Any alteration to the draft would require fresh consultations within Iran's leadership structure, potentially extending the timeline for reaching an agreement.
One official cited in the report said Trump is keen to accelerate the process by increasing pressure on Tehran but must contend with Iran's intricate decision-making system, where final approval rests with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to reports from Axios, the US President wants stronger and more detailed provisions governing Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, as well as clearer arrangements concerning maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz.
The current draft reportedly includes Iran's commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and outlines a 60-day negotiation period to determine Tehran's future nuclear obligations and the handling of existing fissile material. Trump is said to be pushing for more specific language regarding how and when the accumulated material would be transferred or monitored.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump expressed confidence that the agreement would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
"The only guarantee I need is that there will be no nuclear weapons," Trump said. He added that the wording of the proposed agreement had been strengthened to ensure Iran would neither develop nor acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
Despite acknowledging that negotiations have been lengthy, Trump maintained that progress was being made. "They are very tough negotiators, and it takes a long time, but I'm not in a hurry," he said.
The White House has continued to project optimism about the talks. A senior administration official said a final agreement remains achievable and could be concluded within days or potentially over a longer period depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also struck a measured tone, stating that negotiations and exchanges of messages between the two countries were continuing. He cautioned against drawing conclusions before a concrete outcome emerges, describing much of the public discussion surrounding the talks as speculative.
However, not all voices in Tehran have been as conciliatory. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf insisted that Iran would only endorse an agreement that fully safeguards national interests and the rights of the Iranian people. He also emphasised widespread scepticism within Iran regarding American commitments and indicated that any significant policy changes would be scrutinised by parliamentary committees.
Adding to the political uncertainty, reports emerged from London-based opposition outlet Iran International claiming that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had submitted a resignation letter to Supreme Leader Khamenei. The report alleged that Pezeshkian complained of being sidelined from critical decision-making processes and criticised the growing influence of hardline factions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Iranian government swiftly dismissed the report as false, accusing foreign media outlets of spreading misinformation. No official confirmation of any resignation has been issued by Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is considered close to the Revolutionary Guards, reported that Tehran intends to submit additional amendments to the draft agreement in response to changes proposed by Washington.
The latest developments suggest that while both sides remain engaged in dialogue, significant differences persist over key provisions of the proposed accord. As negotiators continue to exchange revisions, the path to a final agreement remains uncertain, with political considerations in both Washington and Tehran likely to shape the outcome of the talks.