Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis have hit another hurdle after Donald Trump signalled disapproval of a new proposal put forward by Iran.
Officials indicated that Tehran’s plan outlines a phased roadmap, beginning with an immediate end to hostilities and discussions on maritime access in the Gulf, including reopening vital shipping lanes. The proposal suggests that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme would be taken up only after initial steps are completed.
However, the United States has taken a firm stance that nuclear concerns cannot be deferred. Sources familiar with internal discussions said the US administration views the issue as central to any agreement, making Iran’s sequencing approach unacceptable at this stage.
The disagreement underscores a widening gap between the two sides, with Washington prioritising long-term security concerns and Tehran seeking immediate relief from military and economic pressures.
The continuing impasse has prolonged uncertainty in global markets, particularly in the energy sector, as tensions around key oil transit routes remain unresolved. Analysts say that without a shift in negotiating positions, a breakthrough remains unlikely in the near future.
Diplomatic channels remain open, but with both countries sticking to their core demands, the path to de-escalation appears increasingly complex.
