US Demanded 20-Year Freeze on Iran’s Uranium Enrichment, Tehran Said No More Than 5

Disagreement over Tehran’s nuclear activities emerged as the central sticking point in weekend negotiations between Iran and the United States held in Pakistan, with both sides remaining far apart on the duration of any potential agreement.

Washington has proposed a 20-year freeze on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, while Tehran has indicated it can only agree to a suspension lasting up to five years, according to reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The two sides exchanged proposals on suspending Iranian nuclear activities during the Islamabad talks, but failed to bridge the gap on the length of the arrangement.

Tehran’s offer to halt uranium enrichment for five years was rejected by the Trump administration, which continues to insist on a 20-year freeze, the NYT reported, quoting two senior Iranian officials and one US official.

The position marks a shift from the administration’s earlier demand that Iran permanently end domestic enrichment amid concerns it could provide a pathway to nuclear weapons capability.

How Is Donald Trump Using Blockade Pressure Against Iran?

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on the future of the ongoing ceasefire, signalling serious consequences if an agreement is not reached.

Answering questions on the implications of a failed deal, Trump said, "I don't want to comment on that, but it won't be pleasant for them.”

Accusing Iran of attempting to pressure the international community, Trump said, "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world because that is what they are doing, they are really blackmailing the world.”

“We are not going to let that happen... Many ships are heading to our country right now as we speak to load up with the best oil…,” he added.

The Islamabad meeting marked the first direct encounter between Washington and Tehran in more than a decade and the most senior engagement since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Meanwhile, US officials are considering the possibility of convening another in-person meeting with Iranian counterparts before the ceasefire expires, though no final decision has been taken, CNN reported.

Officials are reviewing potential dates and locations, depending on the progress of ongoing talks with Iran and regional mediators.

A source described the discussions as preliminary, stating, "We need to be prepared to stand something up quickly should things head in that direction."

(With inputs from ANI)