Trump gave Iran seven days: uranium is again at the center of bargaining

Donald Trump gave Iran seven days to decide on the nuclear issue. There is talk of progress in Washington, but the deal is not yet closed.

US President Donald Trump renewed pressure on Iransaying that Tehran has about seven days to make a decision on the key terms of the transaction. The main question remains the same – enriched uranium and the limits of Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump did not specify what exactly would happen after the deadline. But he made it clear: if an agreement is not reached, the United States has “many options”. Translated from diplomatic to human, it sounds simple: either Tehran makes concessions, or Washington will begin to twist the next lever of pressure.

According to American sources, the framework agreement between USA And Iran supposedly ready for about 95%. But the remaining points are precisely the most toxic: the fate of the Iranian nuclear stockpile, the conditions for lifting sanctions and the regime for the passage of ships through Strait of Hormuz.

Washington’s formula in these negotiations is strictly described: “no dust, no dollars” – conditionally, “not a gram of uranium – not a dollar”. The meaning is simple: Iran must limit or transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium before the US begins to unfreeze money, ease sanctions or lift blockade pressure.

The Iranian side, according to Reuters, acknowledges progress on a number of issues, but does not confirm that the agreement is close to signing. Tehran complains that Washington is changing positions during the negotiations. A wonderful classic of international diplomacy: both sides talk about peace, but keep their hands close to weapons and sanctions lists.

Separate node – Strait of Hormuzthrough which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. The United States is seeking guarantees for the safety of navigation and an end to pressure on trade routes. For the global market, this is not a technical detail, but a matter of oil prices, insurance, transportation and general nervousness in the Middle East.

Washington trying to tie everything into one package: nuclear restrictions, safe navigation, partial relief of economic pressure and temporary de-escalation. But it is the nuclear issue that remains the main minefield. Iran doesn’t want to appear capitulated; Trump doesn’t want to appear capitulated. As a result, both sides bargain as if they had in their hands not regional security, but a used car on the market.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that diplomacy is still being given a chance, but Washington has other scenarios. Trump, in turn, said that the agreement should be “strong and significant”otherwise there will be no deal. This is his typical formula: maximum pressure, minimum specifics and plenty of room for maneuver.

For Iran concessions on uranium are a sensitive issue in domestic politics. For USA concessions on sanctions risk showing weakness. Therefore, even if the deal frame is really almost ready, the final interest may be the most expensive. Sometimes the last five percent of a negotiation is worth more than the first ninety-five. Humanity, of course, could negotiate more simply, but then what would diplomats do?

Now the situation looks like this: an agreement is possible, but there is no breakthrough yet. Trump puts pressure and threatens, Iran delays with a final answer, responding with barbs, and the region is waiting to see whether the ultimatum will turn into a deal or into a new round of crisis.

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