U.S., Iran weigh 30-day ceasefire plan, reopen Strait of Hormuz; negotiations still pending

Iran and the United States are discussing a temporary framework that could suspend hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and create space for broader talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, the New York Times reported, citing three senior Iranian officials familiar with the negotiations.The proposed short-term arrangement would suspend hostilities for 30 days while the two sides continue talks to reach a broader, more permanent agreement, The New York Times reported. Officials said discussions between the two sides were ongoing, with negotiators exchanging suggestions on the wording and structure of a possible long-term framework.The proposed interim framework focuses on three immediate steps: lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian shipping and ports, reopening commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and ending ongoing military hostilities under a ceasefire agreement.Officials added that more contentious issues, including sanctions relief, the long-term future of Iran’s nuclear program and the release of frozen Iranian financial assets abroad, would be resolved during the proposed 30-day negotiating period.One of the main sticking points in the negotiations remains Washington’s demand for prior commitments on the future of Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the New York Times reported.Iranian officials say U.S. negotiators are seeking an agreement in principle under which Iran would transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States, close three nuclear facilities and suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years.Officials also said Tehran was prepared to commit not to develop nuclear weapons and suspend uranium enrichment, although discussions continued over the duration and terms of the suspension.Tehran has proposed diluting some of its uranium stockpile while moving the remainder to a third country, possibly Russia, officials said.Under Iran’s proposal, uranium enrichment would be suspended for 10 to 15 years, but it is reported that no agreement has been reached on the future of the three nuclear facilities.