Iranian Peace Deal Defunct

 

Donald Trump has condemned an Iranian response to a US peace proposal as “totally unacceptable” as the month-old ceasefire appeared to be wearing thin. The president’s response came on a day that drone strikes were reported around the region and the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the war was “not over”. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing an informed source, said on Sunday night that Iran’s proposed text for negotiations included lifting US sanctions, ending the US blockade of the strait of Hormuz after the signing of initial understanding, and an immediate end to the war with guarantees against any renewed attack. It followed the US’s peace proposal, which was reported to be a one-page memorandum of understanding that would reopen the strait while setting a framework for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

What is the US position on Iranian nuclear facilities? The US parameters for nuclear talks reportedly included a moratorium on Iranian nuclear enrichment for up to 20 years; the transfer overseas, possibly to the US, of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), and the dismantling of Iranian nuclear facilities. What is the sticking point? According to the Wall Street Journal, the Iranian counter-proposal suggested a shorter moratorium, the export of part of the highly enriched uranium stockpile and the dilution of the rest, and refusal to accept the dismantling of facilities. How have markets reacted? After Trump rejected the counter-proposal on his Truth Social platform, there was a 4% jump in Brent crude on Monday to $105.50 a barrel, before it settled at $103.50. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

-The Guardian