Ceasefire negotiations stalled? The US offers "abandonment of nuclear weapons + missile limitations" conditions, Iran directly rejects.

Amid continued tensions in the Middle East, the United States is attempting to push for a de-escalation of the conflict with Iran through negotiations, but the differences between the two sides remain apparent. Sources revealed that a ceasefire proposal presented by US President Trump requires Iran to significantly reduce its nuclear capabilities and missile power as a core condition for ending the conflict. According to reports, Washington has transmitted a proposal containing multiple demands to Tehran through intermediaries in Pakistan. Overall, the conditions set by the US mainly focus on three aspects: first, Iran is required to dismantle key nuclear facilities, cease uranium enrichment activities, and accept international inspections; second, limit the scale and purpose of its ballistic missiles, allowing them for defensive purposes only; and third, stop supporting regional armed groups and fully end the current conflict. In addition, the US has also raised the demand to restore the smooth navigation of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transportation, and has been practically blocked since the outbreak of the conflict, causing significant fluctuations in international energy prices. As exchange conditions, the US proposes to gradually lift sanctions on Iran after reaching an agreement, provide some support in the civilian nuclear energy sector, and cancel some of the "snapback" sanctions. However, Iran has clearly rejected the above proposal. Iranian media reports state that the demands are "illogical," and emphasize that Iran has also put forward ceasefire conditions, including the security guarantees to prevent a resumption of war and compensation for the recent airstrikes. Sources also indicated that Iran has expressed to intermediaries that it will not negotiate on its ballistic missile program or support for regional armed forces, while insisting on retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. These core differences make the prospects of negotiations uncertain. Trump previously expressed hopes to reach an agreement within the week to alleviate the pressures of soaring energy prices and prolonged conflict. However, analysts generally believe that given the significant differences in positions between the two sides, even if formal negotiations begin, reaching a comprehensive agreement in the short term remains challenging.