US-Iran Truce Is Near But One Impossible Demand Could Destroy the Peace Deal
Pakistan officials claimed on Thursday that the US and Iran are close to a temporary “interim” deal. Tehran is reviewing a US proposal, with an agreement possibly ready as early as this weekend.
On Monday, Iran launched missiles and drones at the UAE. By Wednesday, the US military fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker, hours after Trump issued a fresh ultimatum — threatening bombing “at a much higher level.”
Trump told PBS he was optimistic about a deal before his scheduled China trip, but demanded Iran export its highly enriched uranium to the US — a condition nuclear experts say Tehran cannot accept.
Pakistan served as the key mediator after failed face-to-face talks last month in Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi held a call with Pakistan’s Dar on Thursday as diplomatic contacts intensified and both sides signaled reducing distance.
The proposed 2-phase deal would first end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, then resolve Iran’s nuclear programme in 30 days — but Iran wants a 3–5 year moratorium; the US demands 20–25 years.
Iran faces deep economic pressure, but a CIA analysis warned the US blockade may need 3–4 more months to bite harder. Iran also linked Gulf peace to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, complicating the deal further.
