An international media outlet, Axios, reported that the negotiations between the US and Iran are underway. According to the media report, the US President Donald Trump is ready to release Iran’s $20 Billion assets. However, the report also confirmed that the US will do this only if Iran surrenders its stockpile of enriched uranium.
The US President, Donald Trump, also confirmed that the second round of US-Iran peace talks is likely this weekend. The sources also confirmed that the peace talks between the US and Iran will be held in Islamabad on Sunday.
Pakistan played a key role in backdoor talks between the US and Iran with the help of Egypt and Turkey.
US will release Iran’s $20 Billion assets
Initially Iran demanded $27 Billion from the US, and the US agreed to provide $6 Billion for food, medicine and humanitarian supplies, Axios reported on Friday. After that, the US offered Iran $20 Billion as a proposal.
Officials are discussing what to do with Iran’s nearly 2,000kg stock of enriched uranium, including 450kg that is enriched up to 60%. According to sources, under a possible deal, they may send some of this uranium to another country, while they may reduce the level of some uranium inside Iran under international monitoring.
The proposed agreement also includes a voluntary pause on nuclear enrichment by Iran. The United States has proposed a 20-year pause, while Iran has suggested a shorter period of five years.
Iran opens Strait of Hormuz
At the same time, Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz after the ceasefire in Lebanon. The US President Donald Trump also thanked Iran for opening the Strait of Hormuz. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan played an important role in the ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran.
