US, Iran discuss moratorium on uranium enrichment for over 10 years — media

Coverage Comparison

Reports from multiple outlets, as relayed by TASS, indicate that the United States and Iran are engaged in discussions over a moratorium on uranium enrichment, with conflicting details about its duration and conditions. CNN, citing unnamed sources, reported that the two sides are discussing a moratorium lasting "more than 10 years," alongside the removal of highly enriched uranium from Iran. Axios, also citing sources, suggested a duration of at least 12 years, with one source putting 15 years as a likely outcome.

These reports emerged amid a broader diplomatic push, including a one-page plan that reportedly calls for an end to hostilities and a 30-day negotiation period on key issues such as Iran's nuclear program, asset unfreezing, and security in the Strait of Hormuz. TASS, citing the same CNN report, noted that the White House received a message from Pakistani intermediaries indicating Tehran's willingness to compromise, after which President Donald Trump announced a suspension of "Operation Project Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal, as cited by TASS, reported that Washington is seeking a 20-year moratorium on Iranian nuclear enrichment, along with the handover of all enriched nuclear material and the dismantlement of the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities. The report also mentioned demands for a ban on underground nuclear work and on-demand inspections.

Key Claims

The duration of the moratorium appears to be a central point of contention. According to Axios, Iran proposed a five-year moratorium, while the US demanded 20 years. Citing three sources, Axios reported that the negotiated duration would be at least 12 years, with a 15-year period considered a likely landing spot. A claim carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified suggests the US may accept a 12-year moratorium.

Washington reportedly seeks to insert a provision that any Iranian violation would extend the moratorium, according to Axios. The same report indicated that after the moratorium expires, the US might allow Iran to resume enrichment to 3.67%, the level stipulated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, in an interview with PBS, President Trump denied this, stating that once a deal is signed, the US would ease sanctions but did not confirm the enrichment resumption.

Axios also reported that discussions include a clause requiring Iran to commit to not operating underground nuclear facilities and to submit to enhanced inspections, including snap inspections by UN inspectors. The removal of highly enriched uranium from Iran is also under discussion, with one report suggesting the material would be transported to the United States. President Trump confirmed in the PBS interview that Iran would be required to export its nuclear fuel to the US, saying "It goes to the United States" when asked about such a condition.

The Wall Street Journal report, citing sources, detailed additional US demands: a ban on underground nuclear work, on-demand inspections, and the dismantlement of Iran's key nuclear facilities. These conditions are reportedly part of a broader agreement under negotiation.

Perspectives

From the US perspective, as conveyed by President Trump and media reports, the negotiations are driven by concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Washington appears to be seeking a robust, long-term moratorium and strict verification measures, while also offering potential sanctions relief as an incentive. The US stance, as presented in the reports, emphasizes a willingness to allow Iran to resume enrichment only under tightly controlled conditions after a lengthy moratorium.

Iran's position, as reflected in the reports, suggests a preference for a shorter moratorium (five years) and a desire to maintain some level of enrichment capability. Tehran is reportedly considering the US proposals and will respond through Pakistani mediators, as stated by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. The reports do not detail Iran's views on the other US demands, such as the export of nuclear fuel.

The involvement of Pakistani intermediaries indicates a regional diplomatic effort, with Pakistan playing a facilitator role. The suspension of US military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as mentioned in CNN's report, suggests a broader de-escalation could be part of the negotiations. However, these reports are based on anonymous sources and are not independently verified.