Why is US not satisfied with Iran peace deal proposals?
Iranian state media released initial details of a proposed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. The reports claimed both countries were discussing steps linked to regional security and shipping routes.
According to Iranian media, the agreement would require American forces to withdraw from areas surrounding Iran. The reports also said the US Navy would end the blockade around the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed plan claimed Iran would restore commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz within one month. Reports added that commercial ship movement would return to normal conditions similar to the period before the war.
Iranian media further stated that military naval ships would not be included in the proposed agreement. The reports suggested the arrangement would focus only on commercial maritime activity.
Also read: After US strikes, Iran retaliatory attack raises alarm over Strait of Hormuz crisis
According to the reported details, Iran would manage shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz with the cooperation of Oman. Iranian media also claimed that if the agreement was finalised within 60 days, it would later receive the form of a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
However, the White House strongly rejected the Iranian media reports regarding the memorandum of understanding. American officials described the published details as false and baseless.
In an official statement, the White House said the reports released by Iranian state media were inaccurate. US officials insisted that no such understanding had been approved in the form presented by Iranian outlets.
A White House spokesperson said President Donald Trump had already made Washington’s position clear. The spokesperson added that the US would only accept a deal that protects American interests and completely blocks any possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
The reports created fresh debate across international political circles and raised questions about possible secret negotiations. Experts believe the conflicting statements from Tehran and Washington show that trust between the two sides still remains weak.
Donald Trump says the US is not yet satisfied with the proposals put forward by Iran to end the ongoing war between them, warning that he is prepared to "finish the job" if a peace deal is not struck.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday afternoon, local time, the US president said Iran was "intent on a deal" but key points of difference remained in negotiations.
"They want very much to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there … we're not satisfied with it, but we will be," he told reporters.
"We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job."
At the same meeting, Mr Trump's secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said the next hours and days could be crucial for progressing an agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive trade routes. They warn that even rumours about agreements or military changes in the area can quickly affect oil markets and global politics.
