A US-Iran ceasefire shifted from apparent collapse to renewed optimism after US statements about a near agreement. Iranian media and officials challenged the optimism and outlined remaining disputes. Washington seeks an immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, removal of Iran’s entire enriched uranium stockpile, and a ban on enrichment. Iran proposes a two-phase approach: extending the ceasefire for 60 days including Lebanon, opening the strait without tolls, lifting the naval blockade, and unfreezing Iranian assets while easing economic sanctions. Even the first phase could fail due to Israel’s concerns about freedom of action in Lebanon and contradictions between US demands for a free strait and Iran’s plan for a Persian Gulf Strait Authority that would oversee traffic and levy tolls. The US and Israel also demand reductions in ballistic missiles and an end to support for regional partners, which Iran has not addressed.
"The Trump administration wants an immediate opening of the strait of Hormuz. It also insists on the removal of Iran's entire stockpile of enriched uranium and a ban on enrichment. The Iranians, however, want to proceed in two phases. In phase one, the ceasefire, which would include Lebanon, would be extended for 60 days. The strait would be opened without ships being required to pay tolls, and the US would lift its naval blockade and begin unfreezing Iranian assets and lifting economic sanctions."
"Even this first phase could fail. Israel, alarmed by the deal, wants to preserve its freedom of action in Lebanon. And it's hard to fathom how Washington's insistence on a free and open strait can be squared with Iran's 18 May unveiling of a Persian Gulf Strait Authority that will oversee maritime traffic and levy tolls on shipping."
"The country's media dismissed Trump's social media post as propaganda, and Iranian officials highlighted several remaining points of dispute. As Tehran began revealing in very general terms its conception of a deal, the gap between it and Washington became even more evident."
"The US and Israel have also insisted that Iran must reduce the number and range of its ballistic missiles and cease support for its regional partners, Hezbollah, Hamas and Ansar Allah (generally referred to as the Houthis) in Yemen. Iran has not mentioned either point, but Israel and its US advocates will surely obje"
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